BOOKKEEPER PLEADS GUILTY TO WIRE FRAUD
SUSAN FONTE, age 57, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court today before U. S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to a one-count bill of information charging her with wire fraud, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the factual basis, 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. Sentencing has been scheduled for
April 24, 2012.
The matter was investigated by the U. S. Secret Service and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Spiro Latsis.
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