Lisa H. Ernst, Wire Fraud, Louisiana 2015

Louisiana Woman Sentenced for Wire Fraud

Lisa H. Ernst, a 52-year-old woman from DeRidder, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 51 months in prison for stealing more than $1.3 million from her former employer.

According to the evidence presented at Ernst's guilty plea on March 31, 2015, she stole $1,351,259.86 from a company located in DeRidder where she worked from May 13, 2003 to March 4, 2014 in various capacities in the accounting department, including as an assistant manager.

Ernst made approximately 142 direct interbank transfers from the company's bank account to her personal bank accounts. In addition to taking the money, she made false representations to her subordinates and supervisors in order to secure approval for the bank transfers, and then after transferring the money, she fabricated documents to conceal fraudulent transactions.

Ernst was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi on one count of wire fraud. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,351,259.86 in restitution.

U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley stated that Ernst abused the position of trust given to her by her employer, a company that made significant contributions to the community. Finley added that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others tempted to make easy money through corporate theft.

The FBI and the DeRidder Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph T. Mickel and David C. Joseph prosecuted the case.

Ernst's crimes were committed in DeRidder, Louisiana, where she worked at a company from May 13, 2003 to March 4, 2014. Her sentencing occurred on Thursday.

The total amount stolen by Ernst is $1,351,259.86. She was ordered to pay restitution in the same amount.

Lisa H. Ernst, who is 52 years old, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for wire fraud. She committed the crime in DeRidder, Louisiana, where she worked at a company from May 13, 2003 to March 4, 2014.

Ernst's sentence includes three years of supervised release and restitution of $1,351,259.86.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/deridder-woman-sentenced-51-months-prison-stealing-more-13-million-company