Ronald Simpson, 54, of St. Peters, Missouri, has admitted to defrauding his employer and an IT equipment supplier in a $2.1 million wire fraud scheme.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Simpson devised a scheme to enrich himself at the expense of the University and their equipment supplier. Simpson was the director of information technology for the university and was responsible for repairing and replacing defective IT equipment used at his employer’s multiple locations.
Beginning about November 29, 2018, Simpson falsified claims to purchase hundreds of items of IT equipment, which he then sold to a third-party. Simpson misappropriated at least $1 million from the university with this part of the scheme.
In addition, Simpson fraudulently obtained 56 items from the university’s IT supplier by falsely claiming that the equipment they originally had supplied was defective. Simpson then sold both the original equipment and the replacement gear. The supplier sent a total of $780,233 worth of replacement IT equipment to the university based on Simpson’s misrepresentations.
Simpson was paid a total of $2,188,704 for IT equipment belonging to the university and its supplier. Simpson is scheduled to be sentenced on September 17. The wire fraud charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine.
The FBI investigated the case, and both Simpson’s former employer and the IT supplier worked extensively with law enforcement during this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting the case.
As the investigation unfolds, it’s clear that Simpson’s actions had severe consequences for the university and the IT supplier. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in positions of trust.
The sentencing hearing for Simpson is set to take place on September 17. We will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News