West Monroe woman pleads guilty to embezzling money from bankruptcy clients

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a West Monroe woman pleaded guilty Monday to stealing bankruptcy clients’ Chapter 13 payments.

Jessica M. Millwood, 39, of West Monroe, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes to one count of embezzlement against a bankruptcy estate. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. According to testimony presented during the guilty plea, Millwood worked for a Monroe bankruptcy attorney, Glay H. Collier II, who himself was previously convicted of bankruptcy fraud against his clients. Millwood dealt directly with the clients and took money from debtor-clients. A client filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in March of 2014 and began paying $1,105 per month to settle debts. Millwood began embezzling the money from the client for her own use in May of 2014 rather than remitting the plan payments to the Chapter 13 trustee. In August of 2014, the client’s case was dismissed for failure to pay. Milwood embezzled funds from approximately 10 debtor-clients during her employment with Glay Collier.

Millwood faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for January 26, 2017.

The FBI and the U.S. Trustee’s Office – Region 5 conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan is prosecuting the case.