BOOKKEEPER CHARGED WITH WIRE FRAUD
SUSAN FONTE , age 57, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count bill of information for wire fraud, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the bill of information, FONTE was employed as a bookkeeper by a local real estate development firm. As the bookkeeper, FONTE was responsible for maintaining the company’s books, financial records, and paying small bills. From 2006 to 2010, FONTE systematically embezzled $192,538.18 from the firm’s checking accounts by forging the owner’s signature on company checks that she issued to herself and deposited into her personal checking account. She also embezzled $95,117.86 from her employer by withdrawing cash from his personal checking account with an ATM/debit card that she illegally obtained for the account.
FONTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. She could also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
U.S. Attorney Letten reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the true guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The matter was investigated by the U. S. Secret Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro Latsis.
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