Lucy Woods, Wire Fraud, Alabama 2023

A Shelby County woman is facing the consequences of her actions after being sentenced to nearly two years in prison for stealing from her employer, Robert Warnock Co. Inc.

Lucy Woods, 52, of Pelham, was sentenced to 21 months in prison on four counts of wire fraud related to her stealing more than $150,000 from the Bessemer company where she worked as a bookkeeper.

According to court records, Woods fraudulently charged personal expenses totaling more than $30,000 on a corporate credit card account. She also forged, and made payable to herself, more than $120,000 in unauthorized checks from the corporate bank account.

The scheme, which spanned several years, was uncovered by the FBI and the Bessemer Police Department, who investigated the case in conjunction with each other.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Beardsley Mark said that Woods’ actions were a blatant abuse of trust and a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

‘This defendant blatantly abused the trust of her employer,’ Mark said. ‘This sentence is a strong and clear message that abuse of trust and misuse of funds is unacceptable and anyone who considers engaging in similar conduct should know that it can lead to federal prison.’

Woods pleaded guilty to the charges in May and must report to prison on November 12.

The case serves as a reminder that those in positions of trust will be held accountable for their actions, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr.

‘Ms. Woods exploited her position of trust with repeated conduct that was deliberate, deceptive and self-enriching, and the court has held her accountable,’ Sharp said. ‘I, particularly, want to thank our partners with the Bessemer Police Department for their assistance in this case.’

Robert Warnock Co. is a manufacturer’s representative that sells capital equipment for the oil and gas industry.

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