United States Attorney
Northern District of Texas

1100 Commerce St., 3rd Fl.
Dallas, Texas 75242-1699

Telephone (214) 659-8600
Fax (214) 767-0978

DALLAS BUSINESSMAN CHARGED
IN 20-COUNT FEDERAL INDICTMENT
WITH EMBEZZLING FROM A RETIREMENT PENSION FUND

William B. Wofford was arrested early this morning at his home in Dallas without incident on federal charges that he embezzled funds from an employee pension benefit plan, announced United States Attorney Richard B. Roper. Wofford is scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court before United States Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney.

The 20-count indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in Dallas last week, alleges that from April 2002 through October 2004, Wofford embezzled more than $300,000.00 from the Premier Employer’s Group 401(k) Plan. Wofford was the owner of Premier Consulting, Inc., that sponsored the Premier Employers Group 401(k) Plan.

Roger Hilburn, Regional Director of the United States Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, in Dallas, Texas, said, “This case illustrates this agency’s commitment to the aggressive criminal investigation of those individuals and organizations who prey upon America’s work force. We will use all available resources to track down and prosecute perpetrators who commit these crimes."

An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. However, if convicted on all counts, Wofford, age 46, faces a maximum statutory sentence of 100 years imprisonment, a $5 million fine, and restitution.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of U.S. Department of Labor - Employee Benefits Security Administration - Dallas Regional Office and the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General - Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phil Umphres.

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