Bookkeeper Sentenced To Federal Prison For Embezzlement

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Paul Wheeler (34, Tampa) to four years in federal prison for wire fraud. The Court also ordered him to forfeit $848,136.04, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense, and to pay restitution to his victims.

According to testimony and court documents, Wheeler, a bookkeeper, embezzled from six different employers over the course of 15 years. He diverted more than $840,000 from his various employers to bank accounts under his control. He subverted the internal controls of the companies to ultimately direct payments to himself. He also registered a number of fictitious names to conceal the diversions. Wheeler used most of the money for online gambling.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas N. Palermo.