Georgia Man Accused of Embezzling Public Funds

The former assistant controller for a hospital in Atlanta was indicted for embezzlement this week. The man worked for the Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation for approximately 17 years. In 2008, he embezzled more than $450,000 through manipulation of the hospital payroll system. Using his access into the system, he apparently created additional funds for himself by altering payroll records and then fabricating compensation to employees who had been terminated. This was done by creating false compensation such as vacation pay and severance pay to these people, forging their names on checks, and depositing them into his own bank accounts. This became embezzling of public funds due to the fact that the hospital receives federal funding for medical care for those who cannot pay for it.

Embezzlement of public funds is a federal offense under the United States Code 18. A person is guilty of this crime who knowingly receives such money or uses, transfers, converts, appropriates, or applies such money for any purpose not prescribed by law. Violation of the law is punishable by prison terms and fines totaling the amount of the funds stolen. Georgia state embezzlement laws punish a convicted person based on the value or the type of property stolen. A person who is convicted of embezzling public funds or other people's funds may be fined up to $100,000 and face one to 15 years in prison in a state court sentencing.

Atlanta Criminal Defense Team

Embezzlement is just one type of white collar crime; these crimes are generally nonviolent crimes which involve some type of theft or fraud done through misrepresentation or deceit. These crimes often involve restitution to victims as part of the sentencing along with prison terms, fines, court costs, and probation. Anyone convicted of embezzlement and similar white collar crimes may find their careers ruined and social connections destroyed.

The criminal defense team at Law Office of Matthew T. McNally is dedicated to representing the criminally accused in and around the Atlanta area. The legal team assists those facing either state or federal criminal charges; they have a strong reputation for effective legal strategies and will ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the criminal process. If you are facing any kind of criminal charge, whether nonviolent or violent, contact the firm for a free case evaluation.