Melissa Day Morton, a former Accounting and Compliance Manager at the Oklahoma Beef Council, has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $2.6 million from her employer. Morton, who worked in the role from 1995 until 2016, admitted forging checks and presenting them for payment against the council’s bank account.
In addition to the embezzlement charge, Morton also confessed to filing a false federal income tax return, inaccurately reporting her income for the 2014 calendar year. She omitted over $388,000 of embezzled funds from the Beef Council on this return.
Today’s plea hearing brought the total loss to the Oklahoma Beef Council to $2,681,400.73. If sentenced as charged, Morton could face up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000. The tax count carries a possible three-year sentence, one year of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
The investigation into Morton’s actions was led by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, United States Secret Service, and the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris M. Stephens is prosecuting this case.
Morton will be sentenced in approximately 90 days. Further details are available through information and public filings.
Related Federal Cases
- Oil Co. HR Manager James Rhea Cooley Sentenced for $700K Embezzlement · Iowa
- Oklahoma Pipeline Fined $3.3M for Massive Jet Fuel Spill in Texas! · Alabama
- Lin Faces Federal Charges in Oklahoma Scheme · Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Couple Accused of Terror Hoax Plot · Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 262 Months for Meth Distribution · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News