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Press Release

Diane Schmaler Pleads Guilty To Dorset Field Club Embezzlement

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Vermont

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Diane Schmaler, 61, of Cossayuna, NY, pleaded guilty on May 15, 2014, in United States District Court in Burlington to a charge of interstate transportation of stolen money.  U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy released Schmaler on conditions pending sentencing, which is set for September 2.

According to the charging information and other court records, Schmaler had been employed for many years by the Dorset Field Club of Dorset, VT as a bookkeeper and manager of finance and administration.  Schmaler paid the club's bills, handled payroll and maintained the general ledger. 

Beginning no later than 2007 and continuing until June 2013, Schmaler embezzled tens of thousands of dollars from the club.  She did this primarily by issuing checks to herself without authorization.  She also inflated payroll checks which the club issued to her.  Schmaler attempted to conceal the embezzlement by falsifying entries in the club's general ledger.  Schmaler quit her employment with the club in September 2013.  At that time, an audit of the club's books was about to start.  The audit uncovered the embezzlement.

The exact amount of the loss is still being determined.  Schmaler has already repaid $60,000 to the club. 

Schmaler faces up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.  The actual sentence will be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Schmaler is represented by Robert O'Neill.  The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples. 

Updated June 22, 2015