Marion County Woman Indicted For Fraud Relating To Theft From Alternative School

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Danielle Jane Liles (41, Summerfield) with eight counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Liles faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. The United States is also seeking an order of forfeiture for at least $616,793.43, which represents the unlawful proceeds of the offenses charged in the indictment.

According to the court records, between January 11, 2016, and April 10, 2023, Liles devised a scheme to defraud Silver River Mentoring and Instruction (SRMI), an alternative school for middle and high school students. During this time, Liles handled the payroll at SRMI and gave herself 137 unauthorized paychecks by logging false information into SRMI’s accounting software. Liles received her paychecks through Automated Clearinghouse Services (ACH) wire transfers.

An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.