Baltimore, Maryland – The grimy truth behind the facade of wealth and power was exposed today as Wendy Collins, age 46, of Woodbine, Maryland, pleaded guilty to a wire fraud scheme that stole over $4.5 million from her employer.
United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein, along with FBI Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson and Postal Inspector in Charge Robert B. Wemyss, revealed Collins’ deceitful plot.
Collins, once a Vice President at a national construction company, was promoted to oversee the Company’s finances, gaining access to bank accounts, payroll, and subcontractor payments. Her rise to power became her downfall as she admitted to embezzling funds through unauthorized withdrawals, fraudulent expenses, and credit card misuse.
From 2012 to 2016, Collins siphoned at least $367,435.52 from the Company’s petty cash and HRA accounts. She used nearly $3.8 million to pay her personal credit card bills, increased her own bonuses, and even funded luxury items such as sports cars and high-end furniture with company funds. Her deceitful acts included forging her employer’s signature to increase her bonus checks.
Collins will be required to forfeit all assets acquired through the scheme and face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for wire fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2017.
The Justice Department has commended the thorough investigation conducted by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Selden and Evan T. Shea are credited with their prosecution efforts.
Related Federal Cases
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- Guilty: Guardsmen Stewart and Grant in Wire Fraud Scheme · Maryland
- Frazier Sentenced for $2M Wire Fraud · Maryland
- Ramon Ingram Sentenced for Baltimore Bank Fraud Scheme · Maryland
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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