Spencer woman pleads guilty to credit card fraud

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Spencer woman pleaded guilty today to credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Rhonda Kelley Conrad, 49, faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and, as part of her plea agreement, $10,301.70 in restitution to the United Way of Central West Virginia.

Conrad admitted that while she worked for the United Way of Central West Virginia in Charleston, she took a number of company credit cards and fraudulently charged goods and services for herself. From June to December of 2014, she admitted that she charged more than $6,000 in goods and services that she was not entitled to receive. Conrad further admitted that she used the credit cards to pay bills and to charge goods at stores such as Kmart and Sam’s Club. Additionally, Conrad admitted that she set up false accounts within the United Way electronic payment system. Conrad used these false accounts to fraudulently transfer more than $4,000 to her personal bank account. Conrad admitted that she had no authorization to use the credit cards or to electronically transfer the money from the United Way. Conrad’s sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2017.

“There is not much more despicable than theft from organizations established to take care of folks who can’t take care of themselves. Stealing from a charity is a serious crime that carries significant consequences,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to make sure these offenders are held accountable.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin is presiding over the case.

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