A Santa Paula (California) High School band booster club official pleaded guilty to stealing $22,000 and was sentenced to one year in jail followed by five years of probation. Anthony Sharpers crimes combined carry up to 60 years in prison and $2 million in fines again, far more than what Cogburn is expected to hand down. Sharper is accused of submitting two Paycheck Protection Program loans one in the booster clubs name and another in the name of his accounting firm, A. Stroud? April 20, 2020. The documents state that between March and May 2020, he submitted three fraudulent applications for federal COVID-19 relief funds, including two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. Anthony Sharper, a certified public accountant, attempted to hide the thefts with $236,000 in COVID-19 relief loans, which he received for the club and his accounting firm using fraudulent applications, prosecutors claim. Sunny but still cool temperatures on tap as we enter May, 'The smell is absolutely horrendous': Small towns want company to clean up roadway animal waste spills, GOP lawmakers want to pay for students' private education. Anthony Sharper and his wife, Deana Sharper, are accused of scheming to defraud and embezzle at least $200,000 from the South Mecklenburg High Schol athletic booster club by writing checks to themselves for purported reimbursement, as well as wiring funds directly to their personal bank account and using the club's debit cards and credit card to pay for personal expenses. For instance, oftentimes, a sole booster club official is entrusted with the organizations entire financial process, including the deposit of cash into bank accounts, the issuance of checks to vendors and the reconciliation of all transactions in the clubs books. The husband was also sentenced for obtaining over $236,000 in COVID-19 relief funds to cover up the theft, announced Dena J. The couple was indicted on May 19, 2021. He was also ordered to pay out more than$310,000. A Charlotte couple is accused of taking $200,000 from the South Meck Booster Club, and fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds to cover their tracks Federal prosecutors say 39-year-old Anthony Sharper. As a new school year begins and activities of all types launch new seasons, including sports, band, theatre, choir, debate, forensics, academic clubs and other student organizations, booster clubs established to financially support such endeavors will also launch new seasons of fundraising campaigns. They wired funds directly to their personal bank account and used the booster clubs debit cards and credit card to pay for personal expenditures, like a trip to London and Charlotte Hornets tickets, according to an indictment. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine closed airspace to civilian flights due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to court filings, Deana Sharper is pleading straight up to the wire fraud charge, meaning she has not received any inducements from prosecutors in return for her guilty plea. (WATCH BELOW: Messed up: Couple accused of strealing $200K from South Meck HS booster club), Messed up: Couple accused of stealing $200K from South Meck HS booster club. But under his agreement with prosecutors, he is expected to plead guilty to four charges: the wire fraud scheme; making false statements to a financial institution; engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property, and filing a false tax return. The club, she said, cooperated fully with the resulting investigation, which included the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. postal authorities. A Charlotte couple has been indicted on federal charges of embezzling more than $200,000 from the booster club of a Charlotte high school. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud. In May, Parker was given to a 5 . According to the indictment, all three applications contained false information, including fake revenues and fake payroll and employment data. 2023 Cox Media Group. The couple has been charged with wire fraud, which has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The former president of the South Mecklenburg High School booster club and his wife were sentenced to prison after investigators said they stole more than $230,000 from the booster. The Sharpers were indicted in May. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley does not make a sentencing recommendation to the judge and acknowledges that the parties are still arguing over the amount of financial loss tied to Sharpers crimes. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), ALSO READ: Couple accused of stealing $200K from South Meck HS booster club, Charlotte bride killed, husband seriously hurt in wedding night crash, Bikinis, booze & bikes: Myrtle Beach rules to know ahead of summer, Helpless: Video shows shooting from car toward crowded park in Villa Heights, Another homebuyer says Keyo Tiny House didnt do the work, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Anthony Sharper previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud, making a false statement to a financial institution, engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property, and tax fraud. They gradually gained influence and control over the booster clubs affairs to the point that by 2019, they were the only authorized signatories on the checking account. Court documents also show that Anthony Sharper, a certified public accountant, also committed tax fraud by failing to report any embezzled funds on the couple's joint 2018 and 2019 tax returns. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) -The president of a Charlotte high school Booster Club and his wife were indicted on charges of stealing more than $200,000 from the booster club. Subsequently, the organization was contacted by law enforcement and cooperated fully with their investigation.This has had a detrimental impact on our student-athletes. Booster officials say the organization was contacted by law enforcement, and they have been cooperating during the investigation. Updated: Nov 19, 2020 / 06:33 AM EST. Graphs are temporarily unavailable due to technical issues. Copyright 2022 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. For assistance in developing and implementing proper procedures and monitoring compliance with federal, state and local laws, consider using the services of a booster club support organization such as the National Booster Club Training Council (http://boosterclubs.org/) or Parent Booster USA (http://parentbooster.org/). The fraud triangle has become a widely-used tool for law enforcement when conducting criminal investigations and accounting firms when conducting forensic audits. In fact, according to the indictment, the actual amount was $522.07. According to investigators, he tried to cover up the theft by using COVID-19 relief loans that he fraudulently obtained. US government tracking more than 650 potential UFO cases, Massive flames erupt from attic of Clayton home, Shaw University alumni divided over plans to update campus, build high-rise towers, WRAL Weather Alert Day: Timeline and maps for severe weather's arrival. A husband and wife who are accused of embezzling at least $200,000 from the South Mecklenburg High School booster club are expected to plead guilty in federal court in the coming days.. For this reason, South Meck Sports Boosters is grateful for the thorough investigation completed by law enforcement., 90.7 Charlotte 93.7 Southern Pines According to court documents, the couple pursued a plan to embezzle at least $239,000 from . Florida man got $1.9M in PPP money, used it to buy new Mercedes, prosecutors say, WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), ALSO READ: Popular east Charlotte restaurant owner, son charged with COVID relief fraud, ALSO READ: NC man charged with fraud in Game of Thrones themed virus aid scheme, ALSO READ: Charlotte woman went shopping with $150K virus relief loan, prosecutors say, Charlotte bride killed, husband seriously hurt in wedding night crash, Bikinis, booze & bikes: Myrtle Beach rules to know ahead of summer, Helpless: Video shows shooting from car toward crowded park in Villa Heights, Another homebuyer says Keyo Tiny House didnt do the work, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. [9] A repeat attack on 10 April 2022 completely destroyed the airport and the infrastructure nearby. [5][6], The airport is at an elevation of 481 feet (147m) above mean sea level. Lets not totally place blame on people until we know whats going on. 57 likes. Deana Sharper also of Charlotte, was ordered to serve 21 months in prison and two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a money judgment of $239,742.80. After receiving the loan proceeds, Anthony Sharper, 42, used the funds to pay for personal expenditures and to cover up the couple's theft from the Mecklenburg High School Athletic booster club, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The indictment says the charges were tracked to Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Virginia and London, England. In some cases, according to the indictment, their raids on the booster money grew increasingly lavish $5,000 for Hornets tickets; almost $850 on meals at Ruths Chris; more than $20,000 in cash and ATM withdrawals. Investigators claim that between March and May 2020, Anthony Sharper submitted three fraudulent applications for COVID-19 relief funds, including two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. In Oklahoma, a number of other people have been accused and convicted of embezzling from booster clubs. Subsequently, the organization was contacted by law enforcement and cooperated fully with their investigation. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 2023 Cox Media Group. Wayne Hedin, of Waxhaw, was arrested for one count of embezzlement by public officer/trustee on Wednesday, following a month-long . The indictment shows that after receiving the loan proceeds, Anthony Sharper used the funds to pay for personal expenditures and to cover up the couples theft of the Booster Clubs funds. Cash controls are of paramount importance in reducing the opportunity to steal; when cash is received, two people should count it and reconciliation paperwork should be signed by each. The latest: Student assignment, North Carolina obscenity bill gets OK in Senate vote, Gordon Lightfoot, Canadian folk legend, dies at 84, Basketball legend Larry 'Gator' Rivers, longtime Globetrotter, has died at 73. Posted: Nov 19, 2020 / 06:33 AM EST. At the time of the Sharpers indictments, booster club co-president Kriss Anne Carlstrom said the couple resigned from the clubs board in 2020, and that a series of irregular transactions were discovered and reported to the clubs bank. Much of the rest, he used for unlawful business or personal expenses, prosecutors say, including almost $20,000 to buy a 2019 Honda Civic. The husband's sentence included him obtaining over $236,000 in COVID-19 relief funds to cover the theft. They wrote themselves checks for phony reimbursements, ran up personal expenses on the clubs debit and credit cards, and burned through club funds with expensive meals, Charlotte Hornets tickets and an overseas trip. Opportunity can sway the otherwise honest and policies allowing opportunity create a zone of temptation for the person who might not have under other circumstances devised and carried out an embezzlement scheme. Deana Sharper pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Copyright 2023 NFHS. They are very nice people, Young said. Anthony Sharper has also been charged with fraudulently obtaining more than $236,000 in COVID-19 relief loans. Responsible for all aspects of the clubs bookkeeping and banking, including the deposit of cash receipts from fundraising events, before her sentencing she returned $49,000 of the stolen monies, delivered to authorities in pillowcases stuffed with cash. Founded 1918 Address prov. Sharper CPA, PLLC, and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of his CPA firm. Annual passenger traffic at DNK airport. Over a three-year period starting in 2017, the Sharpers wrote more than $100,000 in checks to themselves from the account for fraudulent reimbursements. Is the non-profit, parent volunteer organization that supports South Mecklenburg High School athlete March gardening guide: What plants and vegetables can you plant this month? Speech, Debate & Theatre Directors & Judges, Changes in High School Wrestling Rules Include Allowance of Six Matches in One Day of Competition, Ephesus Sports Lighting Renews Corporate Partnership with NFHS, NFHS Learning Center Adding Middle School Coaching Course, Credential Program, World Drumming Can Fit into Any School Music Program, Recommending Summer Speech and Debate Camp for Students. The former president of the Sand Creek (Michigan) High School music program booster club entered a plea deal in exchange for reduced charges related to his theft of $13,000 from the club and was sentenced to 30 days in jail instead of the five-year prison term he might have received. Rotate, on a regular basis, club officers such as president, treasurer and other positions with control over financial processes. He didnt comment on the case after the couple was charged but urged everyone to keep an open mind. How we got here, what's new and why they face resistance, Islanders extend series with Game 5 win over Canes, Young? Charlotte leaders propose budget for 2024, Committee recommends certain projects over others for sustainability of Charlotte, At least 6 people killed in crashes on I-55 south of Springfield, Illinois, Check out the luxury cars $5 million in fraudulent PPP loans paid for, DOJ alleges, He lost $7,000 in a phone scam, and it could have been stopped before it went too far. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story. Deana Sharper was ordered to serve 21 months in prison with two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $239,742. North Carolina couple was sentenced to prison this week for embezzling $239,000 from a Charlotte high school's booster club. 60 Couple Sentenced After Stealing $239K from South Meck High's Booster Club October 25, 2022 WCCB Staff CHARLOTTE, N.C. (From Press Release) The former president of a Charlotte high school Booster Club and his wife were sentenced to prison Monday for stealing more than $239,000 from the organization. The indictment alleges the couple spent tens of thousands of dollars on car payments, Hornets tickets, fine dining, travel, personal shopping in big-box retailers and clothing stores, and made $20,000 in cash and ATM withdrawals. He previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud, making a false statement to a financial institution, engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property and tax fraud. by: Sophia Radebaugh. When Goodrich (Mich.) High School Athletic Booster Club treasurer Tonya Yannaki suddenly stopped attending meetings last year, her fellow boosters demanded she turn over the club's financial statements. Between 2017 and June 2020, Anthony Sharper and Deana Sharper planned a scheme to defraud and embezzle at least $239,000 from the high school's booster club by writing checks to themselves, wiring funds directly to their bank account and using the booster club's debit cards and credit cards to pay for personal expenditures. According to South Mecklenburg High School Sports Boosters, following the resignation of Anthony and Deana Sharper from the Boosters board, irregular transactions were identified and brought to the attention of our bank representative.. He previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud, making a false statement to a financial institution, engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property and tax fraud. Drug dog leads police to major bust and arrest of Charlotte man, Driver dies while being dragged hundreds of feet under truck trailer, SC coroner says, Rock Hill woman sentenced in I-77 DUI crash that killed 4, including her daughter. The former president of the Edmond (Oklahoma) Santa Fe High School cheer booster club was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with all but 90 days being suspended, for her embezzlement of $14,000 from the clubs bank accounts. The indictment also states that Anthony Sharper committed tax fraud by failing to report any of the embezzled funds on the couples joint 2018 and 2019 tax returns filed with the IRS. Financial Pressure:When combined with opportunity, some type of financial burden real or perceived is a common incentive for committing fraud. After receiving the funds, Sharper is accused of using the money to pay for personal expenses and cover up the couple's theft from the booster club. Starting a Student Athletic Council in Your School, Booster Club Embezzlement: Legal Issues, Preventive Strategies. This week, filings in the case by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Charlotte reveal that they have agreed to plead guilty. According to filed court documents, between 2017 and June 2020, Anthony Sharper and Deana Sharper executed a scheme to defraud and embezzle at least $239,000 from South Meck high school Athletic Booster Club by writing checks to themselves for purported reimbursement, wiring funds directly to their personal bank account, and using the Booster Clubs debit cards and credit card to pay for personal expenditures.

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south meck booster club embezzlement