FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          CONTACT:  DAVILYN WALSTON
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2008                PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/txe                                        PHONE: (409) 839-2538
                                                                                                 CELL: (409) 553-9881

PRISON EMPLOYEE GUILTY OF STEALING FROM EMPLOYEE FUND

TEXARKANA, TX – United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 40-year-old Frisco woman has pleaded guilty to federal charges in the Eastern District of Texas. 

STEPHANIE SMITH pleaded guilty to charges of being an Officer or Employee of the United States Converting Property of Another and Larceny today before United States Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven.

            According to information presented in court, from July 2006 to February 2007, Smith stole more than $8,000 from the Federal Correctional Institution Texarkana Employee Fund while she was serving as Treasurer.  Smith stole the funds by falsifying records.  The proceeds stolen were to benefit the Employee Club members by paying for their social events and to pay for rental space for vending machines in the facility.

            Smith faces up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set.

            This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise O. Simpson.

           
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