Former Treasury Specialist Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Stealing from her Employer

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh-area resident has been sentenced in federal court to 100 months imprisonment, three years supervise release, and restitution in the amount of $12,969,774.42 (Interest waived); on her conviction of mail fraud, wire fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence yesterday on Cynthia A. Mills, 56, of McKees Rocks, Pa.

“Cynthia Mills exploited her position as a trusted employee to embezzle a staggering $12.9 million over 16 years,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Song. “These crimes constitute the largest corporate embezzlement in Western Pennsylvania and warrant a sentence of 100 months imprisonment and nearly $13 million in restitution.”

“Cindy Mills had been viewed as one of the victim company’s best and most trusted employees while working in the accounting department for a number of years, at least until the fraud was discovered. Despite efforts by the employer to put safeguards in place, Mills abused her position of trust and found a way to steal. When the U.S. Mail is misused to facilitate such a scheme, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to aggressively pursue these criminals,” said Pittsburgh Division Inspector in Charge Tommy D. Coke.

IRS-CI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Edward Wirth added, “Yesterday’s sentencing reflects that those who steal and line their pockets with money that they were not entitled to will be held accountable. The systematic and prolonged theft by Ms. Mills in this case was egregious, and the sentence imposed demonstrates that IRS Criminal Investigation will investigate and prosecute those who violate the law.”

According to information presented to the court, from February 1999 to May 2015, Mills embezzled $12,969,774.42 from Matthews International Corporation where she was employed as a Cashier and Treasury Specialist.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mills.