Solon Exec Accused of $1.5M Parker Hannifin Heist

SOLON, OH – A brazen, seven-year scheme to siphon nearly $1.5 million from industrial giant Parker Hannifin Corp. has landed a Solon man in federal court. John A. Miller, 53, faces a staggering 15-count criminal indictment, alleging a complex fraud orchestrated while he held a salaried position within the company.

According to the indictment, Miller exploited his authority to direct work to outside contractors, then manipulated the billing process to funnel funds to himself. He allegedly enlisted the help of neighbor Nancy Seaman, who established Digital Design Services, Inc., and a Pennsylvania billing company owner identified only as R.K. The pair, acting as intermediaries, inflated invoices and processed payments as directed by Miller, all without the knowledge or consent of Parker Hannifin.

“This defendant is accused of running a scheme in which he stole nearly $1.5 million from his employer,” stated Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “This type of self-dealing is not fair to workers or shareholders and will not be tolerated.” The indictment details how Miller submitted invoices under the names of his wife and son, neither of whom performed the work or were aware their identities were being used.

The scheme, running from 2004 through 2011, saw Miller pocket approximately $1,489,494. Seaman, aware of the illicit funds flowing through her company, allegedly received a 30 percent commission for paying Miller additional amounts in cash. She has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conceal Miller’s tax liability and wire fraud, and awaits sentencing. Federal investigators are now meticulously tracing the stolen funds.

“Mr. Miller put a lot of effort into orchestrating and maintaining this seven year fraudulent scheme,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland office. “Law enforcement will continue efforts to follow the money trail to ensure financial fraudsters are brought to justice.” The charges against Miller extend beyond simple theft, including one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, nine counts of mail fraud, three counts of tax evasion, and two counts of money laundering.

The indictment alleges Miller used the stolen funds to pay his own tax liabilities to the IRS and to cover his son’s tuition at Cornell University. “Fraud and embezzlement schemes harm everyone,” warned Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Cincinnati Field Office. “As we often see, the victims are not only the taxpayers, but also the individuals and entities who suffer financial harm.” Miller is charged with tax evasion for the calendar years 2009 to 2011, having allegedly failed to report approximately $192,042 in taxable income in 2009 and $378,571 in 2010.