Claymont Resident Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Claymont, Delaware resident David Schlecker pled guilty yesterday to a one-count Felony Information charging him with wire fraud. The maximum penalties for a wire fraud conviction are 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

According to the facts proffered at the change-of-plea proceeding, in January 2006 the defendant became the Director of Human Resources for Strategic Diagnostics, Inc. (“SDI”) in Newark, Delaware. As part of his job responsibilities, the defendant was authorized to charge certain corporate expenses to his personal American Express card and subsequently seek reimbursement for those expenses by submitting an expense report to the company. These expenses included, but were not limited to, travel for job applicants, work-related meals, and contracts with third-party vendors for advertising and other job-placement related services.

From January 2006 through March 21, 2009, the defendant submitted false expense reports and documentation to the company in order to obtain reimbursement in excess of the legitimate business expenses incurred. As part of a plea agreement with the government, the defendant admitted to causing several hundred thousand dollars in losses to SDI.

Following the defendant’s guilty plea, U.S. Attorney David Weiss stated: “This case demonstrates the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office in prosecuting those who seek to enrich themselves by resorting to fraud.”

U.S. Attorney Weiss also praised the work of investigators from SDI in uncovering the defendant’s conduct, and FBI Special Agent Darlene M. Sokola for her efforts in investigating this matter.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley F. Wolf. However, for further information, contact Assistant United States Attorney Seth Beausang at (302) 573- 6277, extension 149.