Bookkeeper Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling Nearly $10 Million to Gamble

Bookkeeper Receives Prison Sentence for Massive Embezzlement

A 58-year-old bookkeeper known as H.Y.A. has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison after being found guilty of embezzling close to $9.8 million from her employer. The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced the sentence on Thursday, concluding a case that exposed a significant breach of trust and financial fraud.

Details of the Fraud and Legal Proceedings

H.Y.A., who operated Accounting Solutions Today, P.A., held signature authority over the victim company’s bank accounts. This position allowed her to divert company funds unnoticed for nearly six years. Legal proceedings revealed that she committed wire fraud and submitted a false income tax return to cover her illegal activities. The crime not only defrauded the company but also severely impacted its clients.

Funds Used to Support a Gambling Addiction

Investigations showed that the stolen funds were primarily used to fuel H.Y.A.’s gambling habits. Her gambling took place both at local land-based casinos and through various online gambling platforms. To disguise the theft, she frequently falsified accounting records, attempting to hide the missing money from the company’s financial statements.

Failed Attempt to Flee and Law Enforcement’s Response

Before her arrest and sentencing, H.Y.A. attempted to evade authorities by purchasing an overseas flight ticket. However, law enforcement intercepted her before she could flee. Authorities, including the Internal Revenue Service, collaborated to uncover her embezzlement scheme. The IRS highlighted the thoroughness of their investigation, noting that her planned escape was thwarted and emphasizing that her upcoming journey would be to federal prison.

Prosecutor’s Statement on Justice and Accountability

The US Attorney’s Office released a statement condemning the violation of trust and the consequences of H.Y.A.’s actions. They stressed their commitment to holding individuals accountable for abusing positions of trust and ensuring that victims receive justice and restitution for their losses.