Former Employee Pleads Guilty to Using Credit Card Issued to Company Founder’s Wife

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 46-year-old resident of Corpus Christi has entered a guilty plea to credit card fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.

Adrianne Cantu Hewes was the office manager for Wisznia Associates in Corpus Christi. Following her termination, the company discovered multiple American Express credit cards issued in the name of the company founder’s wife had been paid with company funds. The cards were mailed to the Wisznia Associate’s offices in Corpus Christi with the victim having no knowledge of their existence.

An FBI investigation confirmed many of the purchases directly benefited Hewes. Agents were able to document Hewes actual possession and use of the cards on several occasions.

At today’s hearing before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos, Hewes admitted she had knowingly used an American Express credit card issued in the name of the company founder’s wife, without permission, to obtain things of value worth between $40,000 and $95,000.   

Judge Ramos set sentencing for Jan. 31, 2018. At that time, Hewes faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.