NEW ORLEANS – Kristen Levin, 42, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has confessed to a calculated scheme to pilfer funds from her employer. The woman, also known as Kristen Cassels, pleaded guilty on July 3, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe to one count of wire fraud. This wasn’t a heat-of-the-moment lapse in judgment; it was a deliberate act of deception.
Court documents detail a classic, if brazen, method: the creation and submission of fraudulent invoices. Back in October 2020, Levin allegedly emailed a fake invoice to a coworker, requesting payment as if it were legitimate. This seemingly simple act triggered a wire transfer of approximately $4,600 directly into Levin’s personal account – money her employer never authorized and never expected to lose.
The scheme, while netting Levin a relatively modest $4,600, carries serious consequences. She now faces a potential prison sentence of up to twenty years. Beyond incarceration, Levin could be slapped with fines totaling up to $250,000, three years of supervised release after any prison term, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. This isn’t a slap on the wrist; it’s a potential life-altering penalty for betraying the trust of her employer.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson lauded the diligent work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in unraveling this financial crime. “This case demonstrates our commitment to prosecuting those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraudulent schemes,” a source close to the investigation stated. The FBI’s relentless pursuit brought Levin’s actions to light, ensuring she will answer for her crimes.
The prosecution is being spearheaded by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Katherine McHugh, both from the Financial Crimes Unit, alongside Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crimes Unit. This team will present the evidence and argue for a fitting punishment when Levin is sentenced on October 23, 2025. Expect a full accounting of the damage caused by Levin’s actions.
Levin’s plea marks a significant step toward accountability, but it’s a stark reminder that even seemingly small-scale embezzlement can have devastating consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the final sentencing, providing a full picture of justice served – or not – in this Louisiana fraud.
RELATED: Shreveport Woman Admits to $4,600 Wire Fraud Scheme
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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