GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – In a stunning turn of events, Laura Arlene Barnett, 53, from Allegan, has pleaded guilty to the interstate transportation of stolen property. The U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge made the announcement, setting the stage for what promises to be a harsh sentence.
Barnett, a former employee of Perrigo, a global consumer self-care company, has admitted to using her position as Maintenance Repair and Operations Coordinator to steal more than 470 items worth an estimated $413,903.38. The audacious theft involved equipment, parts, and supplies used in the operation of packing machinery.
The scheme unraveled when Barnett sold these stolen goods on eBay, a platform she exploited to her criminal advantage. Today’s guilty plea marks the culmination of a thorough investigation led by the FBI and the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Mekaru is handling the prosecution, ensuring justice for Perrigo, which has been fully cooperative throughout this ordeal. The sentencing before Chief U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker is set for November 30, 2020, where Barnett faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
As part of her plea agreement, Barnett agreed to pay restitution of $413,903.38 to Perrigo. The theft has left the company with a significant financial loss and a tarnished reputation, but it also highlights the insidious nature of white-collar crime in corporate America.
The community is awaiting the outcome of this case, which serves as a stark reminder that even those in seemingly mundane roles can be caught up in the web of deceit and theft. Barnett’s sentence will undoubtedly send a message to others contemplating similar crimes.
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Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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