Former Beaver County Woman Embezzled from Employer to Pay for Personal Expenses

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Maria P. Makozy, 47, of Port St. Lucie, FL, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, Maria Makozy embezzled from her former employer, Keymax Settlement Services, to pay for personal credit card expenses using company checks.

Judge Schwab scheduled the sentencing for March 16, 2016, at 9 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.