Ralph Clark, Embezzlement, Georgia 2013

Ralph Clark, a 42-year-old former employee of the Woodruff Arts Center, has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $1.1 million from the center, where he served as Director of Facilities from June 2006 until his arrest in 2012. Clark’s crimes spanned from November 2005 to October 2012.

According to United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates, Clark submitted fake invoices for goods and services that were never provided to the Woodruff Arts Center, or were performed by himself. The fake invoices included payments to his wife’s business, Lowe’s Services, which was an apartment cleaning business set up by his wife in 2003.

Clark would then deposit the checks into accounts on which he had signatory authority.

In addition to embezzling funds through fake invoices, Clark also defrauded the Woodruff Arts Center by requiring another vendor who provided maintenance services to pay him kickbacks based on inflated invoices.

Clark faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for August 7, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. before United States District Judge Julie E. Carnes.

The case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Bernita B. Malloy is prosecuting the case.

Ralph Clark’s crimes have left a stain on the Woodruff Arts Center, an important part of the fabric of the community. Clark’s actions have had a negative impact on the center and its mission.

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