Former Human Resource Manager for Franklin-Based Company Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

Kimberly Richardson Bates aka Kimberly D. Richardson, 36, of Spring Hill, Tenn., pleaded guilty yesterday to wire fraud, after being charged with  fraudulently transferring money from a Franklin-based company’s employees’ 401k accounts into her personal checking account, announced David Rivera, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

According to the charging document and plea agreement, Bates was the human resource manager for EML, a calibration and facility support company based in Franklin, Tenn.  Bates used her position and authority to access the retirement accounts of other employees and submitted fraudulent withdrawal documents to John Hancock, the company’s 401k service provider. During the period between August 2013 and September 2014, Bates submitted numerous fraudulent withdrawal requests and directed the withdrawals to be deposited into her personal checking account.  In total, Bates embezzled $48,411.01 from EML and former EML employees.

Wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Bates will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger on September 2, 2016. Her sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable federal statutes.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Leventis.