Press Release
Former Director of Administration for Local Trade Organization Sentenced for Embezzling Funds
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former Director of Administration for a local trade organization was sentenced to federal prison for embezzling funds from her employer, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Wendy Long, 49, of Charleston, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for access device fraud. The Court also imposed a three year term of supervised release and ordered Long to pay restitution in the amount of $292,409.37. Long had served as the Director of Administration of the trade organization from approximately 2002 through 2017. In that capacity, she handled financial accounts, prepared payroll and paid bills, reconciled bank statements, prepared monthly income and expense reports, among other duties.
“Long stole money from her employer for years totaling over $300,000,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Prosecuting cases like this is a priority for my office, especially in terms of obtaining restitution for victim businesses and organizations. It is similar to public corruption and is just as diabolical. A trusted official who steals from those who trust. Terrible and sad.”
Long previously admitted that she had used the trade organization’s credit cards for her personal use and benefit, knowing that she was not authorized to do so. During the calendar year 2016, she purchased goods and services totaling more than $23,657 for her personal benefit. Long also admitted that in carrying out the purchases, which affected interstate commerce, she acted with an intent to defraud her employer. Some of the purchases paid for were family vacations, airline tickets, tickets to sporting events, and the rental of supplies for engagement and wedding parties. Long further admitted that she committed similar crimes in 2014, 2015, and 2016, against her employer, and that from 2012-2017 she embezzled funds directly from her employer’s bank account. The total amount of fraud that Long committed against her employer exceeded $317,939. After being discovered, Long repaid her employer $25,530. She also paid $292,409.37 to the Clerk of Court prior to her sentencing as agreed upon restitution to her employer.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Phil Wright handled the prosecution.
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Updated November 14, 2019
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