Wilkes-Barre Accountant Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement
SCRANTON, PA – In a shocking turn of events, Lawrence Malachefski, a 39-year-old accountant from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to wire fraud on [date] before United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Malachefski embezzled over $1.5 million from his employer, a Wilkes-Barre-based Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) business, between March 2023 and June 2023.
Malachefski, who served as the financial controller of the HVAC business, converted the stolen funds to his own personal possession and use. The monetary loss attributable to his conduct was greater than $1.5 million, and he abused a position of private trust in a manner that significantly facilitated the commission of his crime.
As part of his plea agreement, Malachefski agreed to make restitution to the victim-company in the amount of $1,586,557.45. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery St John prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for wire fraud is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Malachefski’s guilty plea marks a significant blow to the accounting community in Wilkes-Barre, highlighting the need for increased accountability and transparency in the industry.
We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Mandatory facts:
- Defendant: Lawrence Malachefski
- Criminal charges: Wire fraud
- City and state: Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Exact date: [March 2023 to June 2023]
- Sentence or outcome: Plea agreement, restitution, and potential imprisonment
- Dollar amounts: $1,586,557.45
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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