1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Fawn E. Thomas, Public Affairs Specialist

 

April 20, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wheeling Resident Sentenced for
Embezzling $35,629 from Local Service Provider

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — A 41 year old Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced on April 17, 2009, in United States District Court in Wheeling by Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr.

United States Attorney Sharon L. Potter announced that MELISSA MORGAN was sentenced to five years probation, with the first six months to be served under home detention. MORGAN entered a plea of guilty on February 11, 2009, to a one count Information charging her with embezzling $35,629.65 from July 2002 to July 5, 2007, while employed by the Family Services of the Upper Ohio Valley. MORGAN was also ordered to pay restitution for the embezzled funds.

Essentially, Family Services acts as a conservator of federal funds received from various sources including, but not limited to, the Social Security Administration, the Veterans Administration, and the Department of Labor. Family Services manages the funds on behalf of clients (who in many instances are unable to manage their own finances). Family Services issues checks for various purposes including the payment of bills as well as living expenses for the various clients.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard. The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Wheeling Police Department.