Home Birmingham Press Releases 2009 Former Alabama Fire College Employee Sentenced for Wire Fraud
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Former Alabama Fire College Employee Sentenced for Wire Fraud

U.S. Attorney’s Office April 28, 2009
  • Northern District of Alabama (205) 244-2001

BIRMINGHAM, AL—MELINDA KAY UMPHREY, 59, was sentenced today in federal court for wire fraud arising out of her fraudulent employment at the Alabama Fire College.  United States District Judge C. Lynwood Smith sentenced Umphrey to serve 16 months in prison, and 3 years of supervised release.  In addition, UMPHREY was ordered to pay forfeiture and restitution to the Alabama Fire College in the amount of $156,734.28. 

From June 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, the Alabama Fire College employed Melinda Kay Umphrey for the position of “Coordinator” at an annual salary of approximately $40,000 despite the fact that she performed no legitimate work to earn the compensation or benefits that she received.  Although she performed no work for the Alabama Fire College, Umphrey was paid a gross salary of $127,594.46 and earned benefits valued at $29,139.82.  After a search warrant was executed at the Alabama Fire College in September 2004, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents questioned Umphrey regarding her alleged employment.  During this interview, Umphrey falsely claimed that she had performed “curriculum” work for the Alabama Fire College.

“At this time of year, most individuals are acutely aware of the fact that state and local government are able to provide benefits to the general public only through the funds provided by taxpayer dollars.  One such benefit is the public education system.  Hopefully, today’s sentence will deter individuals from seeking to take funds intended for education and put those funds into their own pockets out of personal greed.” stated U.S. Attorney Martin.

“The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to rooting out corruption at every level," stated Charles Regan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation.  “We hope this sentencing will serve as a deterrent to others that fraud does not pay.”

The investigation of this matter was conducted by investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Lloyd Peeples prosecuted the matter on behalf of the U.S. Government.

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