Kimberly Richardson Bates, Wire Fraud, Tennessee 2016

WIRE FRAUD NETS LOCAL WOMAN 48,000+ IN THEFTS

Spring Hill, TN – In a shocking case of corporate deceit, Kimberly Richardson Bates, 36, of Spring Hill, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a Franklin-based company’s 401k accounts, announced David Rivera, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

According to the charging document and plea agreement, Bates was the human resource manager for EML, a calibration and facility support company based in Franklin, Tennessee. Using her position and authority, Bates accessed the retirement accounts of other employees and submitted fraudulent withdrawal documents to John Hancock, the company’s 401k service provider.

Between August 2013 and September 2014, Bates submitted numerous fraudulent withdrawal requests and directed the withdrawals to be deposited into her personal checking account. In total, Bates embezzled $48,411.01 from EML and former EML employees.

Wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Bates will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on September 2, 2016. Her sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable federal statutes.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Leventis.

Bates’ crimes have left many in the Franklin community reeling, and her actions serve as a stark reminder of the importance of corporate accountability. As our investigation continues, we will delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Bates’ crimes and the impact they had on those affected.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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