Former Charleston Job Corps Center employee pleads guilty to misappropriating government funds

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Texas man, formerly of Charleston, pleaded guilty Monday to a federal financial crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto, General Services Administration Inspector General Carol Fortine Ochoa, and Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office Richard Deer. Kevin Mabone, 56, entered his guilty plea to misappropriating government funds while he was working at the Charleston Job Corps Center.

Mabone admitted that in 2014 and 2015, while he was the director of social development at the Charleston Job Corps Center, he used government credit cards to fuel his personal vehicle, rather than using the credit cards for legitimate work-related purchases. He further admitted that from 2007 through 2012, while he was employed at the Miami Job Corps Center in Florida, he stole from the government in the same manner—by misusing government credit cards for personal fuel purchases. Mabone admitted that the total amount stolen from both locations was at least $6,684.40, and he has agreed to pay this amount in restitution.

“Stealing from the government is a serious crime that carries major consequences,” said United States Attorney Carol Casto. “I commend the work of the investigators to uncover this fraud and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to prosecute these important cases.”

"I appreciate the skilled work of the special agents who brought this gas card thief to justice,” said General Services Administration Inspector General Carol Fortine Ochoa.  

“Mabone’s fraudulent abuse of Job Corps credit cards for personal purposes improperly took needed funds away from valuable youth programs at these centers. Our agents will continue to investigate fraud schemes that pose a risk to the integrity of programs designed to help eligible youth develop job skills,” said Richard Deer, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

Mabone faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on January 24, 2017.

The General Services Administration Office of Inspector General and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriele Wohl is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

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