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Local Woman Sentenced to 30 Months for Embezzling from Employer
CINCINNATI — Michelle M. Clemons, 32, of Independence, Kentucky, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for three counts of wire fraud.
Clemons was found guilty of abusing her position as controller for Art Woodworking and Manufacturing Co. in Cincinnati, where she worked from at least 2006 until February 2013. During this time, she electronically transferred over $411,000 from the company for her own financial benefit.
As controller, Clemons had access to the company’s financial information and was responsible for directing funds for the payment of company debts. However, she used this access to issue unauthorized payroll checks and reimbursements to her personal bank account.
Clemons would often manipulate the accounting software to make the checks she wrote to herself appear as if they were used for a business purpose. She also used three business credit cards in the name of Art Woodworking for personal expenses, including a Disney Vacation Club membership and a trip to Florida.
Clemons was also ordered to pay restitution of $231,671.42 to Art Woodworking and $100,000 to Selective Insurance. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud on August 14, 2014.
The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett, and was commended by U.S. Attorney Carter M. Stewart and Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Knight, who represented the United States in this case.
Clemons’ sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of embezzlement and the importance of accountability in the workplace.
Defendant: Michelle M. Clemons
Criminal Charges: Three counts of wire fraud
City and State: Cincinnati, Ohio
Date: August 14, 2014
Sentence: 30 months in prison, three years supervised release, and restitution of $231,671.42 to Art Woodworking and $100,000 to Selective Insurance
Dollar Amount: Over $411,000
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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