Embezzlement on the Rise in Orange County

The former president of a manufacturing company has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for embezzling nearly $825,000. In addition to her federal prison sentence, the former executive was forced to sell her house and give up her company pension and personal retirement savings to satisfy her fine and help repay her debt.

California Penal Code 503(a) defines embezzlement as the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted. The defendant in this case admitted to issuing duplicate paychecks to herself and her family members during her tenure at the manufacturing company she was employed by for almost 20 years.

In addition to embezzlement, the defendant pleaded guilty to the federal crimes of wire fraud and tax evasion.

18 USC 1343 defines federal wire fraud as any person who devised or intending to devise any scheme to defraud, or obtaining money or property by means of false or fraudulent representations or promises, and transmits the money or property in interstate or foreign commerce by means of wire (e.g. telephone, radio, television, computer, etc). Violators shall be subject to fine and possible imprisonment for up to 20 years.

If the violation affects a financial institution, the violator faces up to a $1,000,000 fine and 30 years imprisonment.

As for tax evasion, it is a federal or state crime to purposefully avoid the payment of federal, state, or local taxes. It does not matter whether the taxes are a personal obligation or that of a business entity. A tax evasion/fraud conviction can result in penalties such as fines, incarceration, and asset forfeiture.

If you are being investigated or have been arrested for embezzlement, wire fraud or tax evasion in Huntington Beach or anywhere in Orange County, you need the assistance of competent criminal defense attorneys working to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive your constitutional due process. The federal criminal defense lawyers at Houston & Blanco will fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed. We can assist with your and state and federal criminal accusations against you. Call TODAY! Do NOT WAIT! Call the Orange County criminal defense attorneys of Houston & Blanco at 714.841.3921 or email at info@HBLawyers.net.