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Ravenna CPA Accused of Stealing $1 Million from Employer
CLEVELAND, OH – Michael Harman, a 45-year-old Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from Ravenna, Ohio, has been charged with devising a scheme to defraud his employer out of more than $1 million.
According to court documents, Harman was employed as a controller within his company and, as part of his responsibilities, processed payroll adjustments. However, between 2016 and August 2020, Harman allegedly used his position to embezzle more than $1 million from his employer and used the funds for personal use, including child support payments in the State of New York and moving expenses.
The defendant is accused of executing the scheme by using a series of unauthorized wire transfers, fictitious checks, and fraudulent charges on his employer’s credit cards. In addition, Harman is charged with failing to report income earned from the scheme on his tax returns for the tax years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland FBI, Akron Resident Agency, and IRS Criminal Investigation (CI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Aaron P. Howell.
As a controller, Harman’s responsibilities included processing payroll adjustments, which he allegedly used to his advantage to embezzle funds. The scheme occurred between 2016 and August 2020, resulting in Harman stealing more than $1 million from his employer.
Harman’s alleged crimes have severe consequences, including the potential for prison time, fines, and a damaged reputation. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of financial oversight and accountability within companies.
The investigation into Harman’s alleged embezzlement scheme is ongoing, and he faces six counts of devising a scheme to defraud his employer, money laundering, and submitting false tax returns to the IRS.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Michael Harman, 45, of Ravenna, Ohio; Exact Criminal Charges: devising a scheme to defraud his employer, money laundering, and submitting false tax returns; City and State: Cleveland, Ohio; Exact Date: not specified; Sentence or Outcome: currently pending.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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