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Federal Judge Sentences Labette County Bank Clerk to Probation in Embezzlement Case

A former Labette County bank clerk who pled guilty to embezzling money from various accounts while working as a Chetopa State Bank teller was recently sentenced to probation by a federal judge in Wichita overseeing the case. The defendant’s sentence includes restitution for all funds taken, three months of probation, and eight months of house arrest.

The former bank teller was accused of stealing almost $84,000 between 2013 and 2014. Her case had been under investigation by both the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The 41-year-old female defendant was arrested in March 2015 and pled guilty in July of the same year. She was originally scheduled to be sentenced in September 2015 but had her hearing pushed back. Prosecutors in the case had sought a sentence of time served and two years of probation.

Federal embezzlement penalties

By all accounts, the defendant in this case may have gotten off very lucky. Federal penalties for embezzlement can be quite steep and even state level embezzlement may result in hefty fines and lengthy jail sentences.

For example, in January 2016, a 42-year-old woman was sentenced to 18 months in jail for stealing $416,000 from Prudential Real Estate in Topeka. Even her sentence was quite light compared to the maximum federal sentence of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 (U.S.C.A. § 641).

What constitutes embezzlement under federal law?

While the defendant in this case was accused of stealing money from a state bank, federal law does provide penalties for theft from state banks and other institutions. Situations that may warrant federal embezzlement charges include:

  • Stealing public money, property, or records;
  • Theft of tools and materials for counterfeiting purposes;
  • Receiving unauthorized deposit of public money;
  • Custodians misusing public funds;
  • Failing to safeguard deposits;
  • Theft by a bank examiner; and
  • Embezzlement from an employee benefit plan.

Under federal law, bank employees accused of embezzling money may be charged on either the state or federal level. While both entities may bring charges, only one charge will be followed through in the end.

Kansas embezzlement attorneys

Individuals facing state or federal embezzlement charges should strongly consider hiring experienced and dedicated Kansas embezzlement attorneys to help defend their legal rights. The Morrison Law Firm has years of experience handling such cases as is fully prepared to aid defendants in their time of need.

If you are accused of embezzlement or another white collar crimes, contact or call our office at (913) 780-6666 for a consultation. Our office serves clients throughout Kansas.

Speak to an Experienced Attorney Today

Call Morrison Law Firm, LLC in Olathe at (913) 780-6666 or send an e-mail to schedule a free consultation.