Gilbert native sentenced to prison for embezzling more than $2.2 million
Mar 26, 2022, 10:30 AM
(Pexels photo)
(Pexels photo)
PHOENIX — A 64-year-old Gilbert native was sentenced to 26 months in prison on Thursday for embezzlement of credit union funds.
Susan Irene Romero pleaded guilty in May 2021 for embezzling more than $2.2 million from the Winslow Santa Fe Credit Union, according to the United States Department of Justice.
Romero worked for the credit union for more than 30 years and held roles such as manager, president and chief executive officer.
The credit union found inconsistencies in its financial records during an audit, and an ensuing investigation uncovered the embezzlement.
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Romero admitted in her plea deal that she took money through unauthorized cash withdrawals, checks issued with forged signatures and transfers made to her family members’ bank accounts, according to a press release.
She also falsified entries in financial statements to hide her actions.
The Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Section of the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, dealt with the prosecution, and Romero was ordered to pay $2.36 million in restitution, according to the release.
