LaSaundra Simmons, Wire Fraud, New Hampshire 2024

In a shocking case of financial misdeeds, LaSaundra Simmons, a 51-year-old North Carolina woman, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in federal court for embezzling more than $500,000 from her previous employer, Farwell Funeral Service in Nashua, New Hampshire. U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced the guilty plea, which was entered on [no specific date given].

According to investigators, Simmons worked as the bookkeeper for Farwell Funeral Service, Inc. for several years, starting in 2015. During this time, she employed a scheme to embezzle funds from the company. On more than 100 occasions, Simmons made unauthorized wire transfers of funds from the funeral home's bank account to her own account or drafted unauthorized checks which she deposited by electronic wire transfer into her own account. She would often describe these checks as 'commissions' or 'consulting fees.'

Simmons' scheme was uncovered in January 2023, bringing an end to her embezzlement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua Police Department led the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau prosecuting the case.

The charging statute for wire fraud carries a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Restitution is mandatory, and sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. District Court Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2024. At that time, a final sentence will be determined for Simmons, who faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

LaSaundra Simmons, North Carolina woman, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with embezzling funds from Farwell Funeral Service in Nashua, New Hampshire. Simmons, who worked as the bookkeeper for the funeral home, embezzled over $500,000 between 2015 and 2023.

Simmons' scheme involved unauthorized wire transfers and checks, which she used to fund her personal expenses. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nashua Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced the guilty plea, stating that Simmons' actions were a betrayal of trust and a serious crime. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and the consequences of financial crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/north-carolina-woman-pleads-guilty-embezzling-more-half-million-dollars-farwell-funeral