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Union City Secretary Stole $1M from Borough
ERIE, Pa. – In a shocking case of public corruption, Cheryl R. Capela, 60, a former Borough Secretary for the Borough of Union City, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to mail fraud charges in federal court, according to Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song.
Capela’s guilty plea came after an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that she used her position to embezzle over $1 million from the Borough between July 2013 and July 2016. During this time, she wrote Borough checks to pay her personal credit card bills and used the Borough credit card for numerous personal expenses.
The 60-year-old Union City resident pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone, who scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2017. The law provides for a total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. The actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and Capela’s prior criminal history, if any.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The charges against Capela were brought as a result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Capela’s actions not only betrayed the trust of her community but also put the Borough’s finances at risk. The investigation and subsequent charges serve as a reminder that public officials will be held accountable for their actions.
The case highlights the importance of vigilance and oversight in preventing public corruption. It also underscores the need for effective legislation and law enforcement to combat white-collar crime.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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