BIRMINGHAM – A federal grand jury today indicted an office administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration in Birmingham for wire fraud and theft of government funds, U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and Small Business Administration Inspector General Peggy E. Gustafson announced.

A nine-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges ANNEVA JOHNS, 51, of Moody, with wire fraud and theft of government funds. Johns was the administrative officer for the Small Business Administration in Birmingham.

Between 2007 and January 2011, Johns improperly and fraudulently used government credit cards and fraudulently claimed travel expenses to embezzle about $49,612 in Small Business Administration funds, according to the indictment.

“Government employees and officials should be forewarned that if they violate the law and the public trust in order to line their own pockets, they will be prosecuted,” Vance said.

“Today’s indictment serves as an example that theft of government resources by public servants will not be tolerated.” Gustafson said. “Our investigation identified a significant theft of money by a government employee who held a position of trust. We appreciate the leadership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in bringing forth this indictment.”

The Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Holt is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

 

 

 

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