BRIDGEPORT, CT – A 65-year-old former Shelton resident admitted today to a long-running scheme to steal over $326,000 from a small, family-owned business. Miriam Dubay, now of Purcellville, Virginia, waived her right to an indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill.
Dubay, who served as the sole bookkeeper for the Shelton company from at least April 2010 through October 2016, exploited her complete access to the company’s finances. She controlled bank accounts, check stock, accounting records, and petty cash, as well as being responsible for all deposits. This level of trust, authorities say, allowed her to systematically siphon funds for personal gain.
The scheme was deceptively simple, yet remarkably persistent. Dubay wrote 168 checks, made out to “cash,” totaling $239,851.68. She then either forged the required signature by hand or utilized a fraudulently obtained signature stamp. These checks were either deposited directly into her personal bank account or cashed at the same bank where her employer maintained its business account. This wasn’t her only method; Dubay also pocketed $86,279 in cash payments from customers, failing to deposit them into the company’s account.
U.S. Attorney John H. Durham revealed the details of the case, highlighting the breadth of Dubay’s betrayal. The investigation, a joint effort between the Shelton Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, uncovered the full extent of the embezzlement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines is prosecuting the case, seeking justice for the defrauded business.
Dubay currently remains free on a $20,000 bond, but her freedom will be short-lived if convicted. She faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison when she appears for sentencing on September 17, 2018. The sentencing will reflect the severity of the crime and the damage inflicted upon the victimized business.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of small businesses to internal theft. Authorities emphasize the importance of robust internal controls and regular audits to prevent such schemes. While Dubay’s scheme lasted over six years, the combined efforts of law enforcement finally brought her to justice, offering a measure of closure to the victims and a warning to others considering similar crimes.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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