LOUISVILLE, KY-An investigation by the United States Secret Service and Metro Louisville Police has resulted in the arrest today, of a Louisville woman, on a criminal complaint taken by the United States Attorney’s Office, charging her with counterfeit securities announced David J. Hale, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky.

According to the criminal complaint, between April 7, 2010 and November 10, 2011, Mary “Kathy” Montfort forged and deposited fraudulently obtained business checks while working as the bookkeeper for Little Sisters of the Poor. Montfort fraudulently issued checks made payable to herself and deposited them into the personal checking account of her husband, Kenneth Montfort.

On November 3, 2011 a representative from Montfort’s bank contacted Little Sisters of the Poor to verify a check for $14,742.46 that was deposited into the account of Kenneth Montfort. The check was determined to be fraudulent and further investigation found 43 checks totaling $200,294.84 made payable to “K. Montfort” were deposited into the same account and all had forged authorizing signatures.

Montfort began her employment with the charity in December 2005 and allegedly told police that in 2007 she began fraudulently issuing checks from Little Sisters of the Poor by means of forging authorized signatures and depositing the funds into her husband’s bank account. Montfort stated the money was used to pay her bills, travel, and pay her daughter’s rent. Montfort further stated in August of 2009 she purchased a 2010 Ford Fusion for $27,000 or $28,000 using a cashier’s check that was fraudulently funded by money from her employer and that in 2010 she purchased a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis for approximately $17,000 with money fraudulently obtained from her employer. As part of the investigation seizure warrants were executed against the two vehicles, which are now in the possession of law enforcement.

If convicted, Montfort faces multiple years in prison and could owe substantial fines and restitution.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Calhoun and is being investigated by the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Secret Service.

Montfort is scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge James D. Moyer today, November 16, 2011, at 2:30 pm, in Louisville, Kentucky.

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The charges in the complaint are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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