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Press Release

McKeesport Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More than $43K

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKeesport, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Larita Jenkins, 49, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from April 2017 until October 2017, Jenkins embezzled $43,161.03 from her employer, Selavy, Ltd. d/b/a candyfavorites.com. Jenkins embezzled the funds by accessing the company’s credit card software numerous times and issuing fraudulent refunds, causing company funds to be issued to both her and her husband’s bank accounts.

Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for July 13, 2021 at 10:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court permitted Jenkins to remain on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jenkins.

Updated March 11, 2021

Topic
Financial Fraud