Louise Larivee, Non-Profit Embezzlement, Vermont 2019

VERMONT NON-PROFIT EMbezzLEMENT CHARGES

Louise Larivee, 60, of Swanton, Vermont, has been charged with non-profit embezzlement in a federal indictment. According to the indictment, Larivee and Candy Thomas conspired to embezzle more than $100,000 from the Abenaki Self Help Association, Inc. between 2013 and 2017.

The indictment alleges that Larivee, as director of a federal grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, and Thomas, who had check signing authority on ASHAI’s bank accounts, worked together to embezzle funds. Thomas aided the commission of this theft by issuing checks and giving cash to Larivee in amounts that significantly exceeded Larivee’s authorized compensation.

Larivee also allegedly received travel reimbursement checks based upon fraudulently inflated mileage claims. Thomas helped cover up this fraud by sending tax forms to the Internal Revenue Service that concealed the true amount of ASHAI funds that were being paid over to Larivee.

Louise Larivee's lawyer is David Kirby, Esq. Candy Thomas is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Elizabeth Quinn. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that Larivee is presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty.

Charges: Conspiracy, Federal Program Embezzlement

City and State: Burlington, Vermont

Date: June 13, 2019

Sentence: Released on conditions pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Larivee faces up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

Dollar Amount: Over $100,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/louise-larivee-pleads-not-guilty-non-profit-embezzlement