Reno Businessman Charged With Theft From Employee Pension Plan
Las Vegas, Nev. – The owner of a Reno-based technology firm, Lodging and Gaming System, Inc., has been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on charges that he embezzled approximately $128,000 from the company's 401(k) retirement plan and converted the monies to his own use, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.
STEVEN H. URIE, age 61, of Reno, is charged with one count of Theft From Employee Benefit Plan, a felony offense. The Indictment, returned on February 15, 2006, states that between March 5, 2001, and June 30, 2003, URIE failed to deposit employee contributions into the retirement plan and unlawfully and willfully converted the funds to his own use and the use of another. URIE made his first appearance in federal court today before United States Magistrate Judge McQuaid, who released him on a personal recognizance bond pending trial.
If convicted, URIE faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese. The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
