Tech Company Employee Pleads Guilty to $3.7 Million Wire Fraud Scheme

A recent case of wire fraud has caused shockwaves in the tech industry in Mansfield. 51-year-old Tanisha Adderley has pleaded guilty to a $3.7 million fraud scheme that defrauded a health and human services technology solutions company. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton, after Adderley was charged via criminal information in September and subsequently pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez.

The U.S. Attorney expressed pride in the work of the Secret Service partners involved in the investigation, emphasizing that no company should have to face the betrayal of trust exhibited in Adderley’s actions. Christina Foley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Dallas Field Office, also highlighted the collaboration that led to putting an end to the fraud scheme and bringing those involved to justice, underscoring the serious long-term impact of financial exploitation.

Court documents revealed that Adderley, who worked for the company in question, had access to the funds recovery bank account and was responsible for obtaining approvals and processing fee refunds. Over the course of five years, from 2019 to 2023, she prepared false approvals and processed wire payments to non-vendor business bank accounts that were under her control, resulting in a fraudulent acquisition of $3.7 million in company funds.

As a consequence of her actions, Adderley now faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with her sentencing date scheduled for May 6, 2024. The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service Dallas Field Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Nashonme Johnson prosecuting the case.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences when individuals exploit their positions of trust for personal gain. It also underscores the importance of strict internal controls and diligent oversight when handling financial transactions, especially within the technology sector, where the use of digital platforms can present unique vulnerabilities to fraudulent activities. Additionally, it highlights the crucial role of law enforcement agencies and the justice system in safeguarding companies and individuals from such criminal activities.

For more information on the case and related legal inquiries, the Public Affairs Officer, Erin Dooley, can be contacted at 214-659-8707 or [email protected]. It is essential for organizations to remain vigilant and have effective safeguards in place to prevent and detect fraudulent activities, and to report any suspicious behaviour to the appropriate authorities.