Mary L. Schneir, Wire Fraud, Pennsylvania 2013

PA Woman Sentenced for Massive Wire Fraud Scheme

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania - In a shocking display of greed, 42-year-old Mary L. Schneir of Bethel Park, Pa. has pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud in federal court. The charges stem from a massive scheme orchestrated by Schneir while she worked as the bookkeeper and office manager at Karna C. Goldsmith, C.P.A., an accounting firm in Pittsburgh.

According to the investigation, Schneir devised a complex scheme to use funds from Goldsmith clients to pay off her personal credit card and mortgage accounts. The scheme, which spanned several years, saw Schneir regularly transferring money between the bank accounts of Goldsmith's clients to cover her tracks. The scheme was only uncovered when an electronic transfer of $54,145.36 was made from the account of Cybergenetics Corporation to an A.L. Brourman Associates, Inc. account maintained at Citizen's Bank on Feb. 28, 2013.

The total loss to Cybergenetics Corporation was staggering, with over $270,000 in losses attributed to Schneir's scheme. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and detectives from the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. Schneir is scheduled to face sentencing on Feb. 19, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. The actual sentence imposed will be determined by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account the seriousness of the offense and Schneir's prior criminal history.

Schneir's scheme has sent shockwaves through the Pittsburgh community, highlighting the dangers of embezzlement and the importance of proper oversight in financial institutions. The case serves as a reminder that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable for their actions.

The sentencing hearing for Mary L. Schneir is scheduled to take place on Feb. 19, 2015. The outcome will be closely watched by those affected by her actions and the community at large.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/south-hills-bookkeeper-pleads-guilty-fraud-charge