U.S. Department of Justice Alice H. Martin United States Attorney Northern District of Alabama

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2003
www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln

OFFICE MANAGER CHARGED IN THEFT AND TAX FRAUD

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Alice H. Martin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and C. Andre Martin, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Investigation Division, Internal Revenue Service, announce that a criminal information was filed June 25, 2003, against KATHY P. BURTTRAM, 46, of Springville, Alabama. According to Martin:
The information charges that BURTTRAM, while employed as an office manager at H.L. Coshatt Company of Birmingham, embezzled and misapplied over $400,000. She took over $160,000 in 1999 which she failed to include on her 1999 income tax return.

Martin stated, "Embezzlements that violate federal laws carry stiff jail terms. Also, embezzled funds are taxable income just like any other income." At sentencing, BURTTRAM could be sentenced to up to 8 years in jail and a $500,000 fine, restitution and back taxes.

The guilty plea to the charges contained in the information is scheduled for August 2003 before Judge Robert B. Propst.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Brunson is prosecuting the case.