Steamboat Springs woman Anita Harmon, 62, was convicted on two counts of embezzlement from an employee benefit plan after stealing over $24,000 from a now-defunct company’s profit-sharing fund. A federal jury in Grand Junction returned the verdict on May 10, 2019, after a trial that exposed how Harmon, as trustee, systematically drained the Healthcare Financial Assistance Corporation Profit Sharing Plan.
Harmon, acting as fiduciary, transferred the plan’s remaining assets in September 2012 from its original bank account to one she controlled. She then funneled the money into accounts tied to limited liability corporations she owned. Over the next two years, she made repeated withdrawals until the account was completely emptied in November 2014. Prosecutors proved she used the stolen funds to pay personal expenses, including rent and taxes—costs with no connection to plan administration.
Despite being acquitted on two additional counts, the conviction stands as a stark warning to those entrusted with employee retirement funds. The Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration led the investigation, emphasizing that such thefts devastate real workers who depend on these benefits.
“Theft from employee plans like this hurts real people,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “We prosecute these cases to make sure that the employees who were cheated receive justice.” The case underscores the federal government’s commitment to holding accountable those who betray their fiduciary duties for personal gain.
“Theft from retirement plans and pensions has significant adverse effects on the livelihood and peace of mind of workers,” added Employee Benefits Security Administration Regional Director Jim Purcell, based in Kansas City. “Our Department takes these actions seriously and will continue to investigate any action that threatens retirement benefits workers have earned.”
Harmon now faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Burrows and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Chaffin. Case No. 18-cr-270.
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Key Facts
- State: Colorado
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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