Co-Conspirator Convicted in Crime Stoppers Case Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison

DALLAS—Malva R. Delley was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey to 15 months in federal prison for her role in defrauding the North Texas Crime Commission (NTCC). Delley, 38 of Dallas, pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to make a false statement to a financial institution. Judge Godbey also ordered that Delley pay $212,291 in restitution, jointly and severally with co-defendant Theadora Ross, to the NTCC. Delley must surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on January 14, 2013. Today’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

Last week, Ross, a former senior corporal with the Dallas Police Department and the former head of the Dallas Crime Stoppers office, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison following her guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of willfully attempting to evade assessment of income taxes.

Crime Stoppers is a nationwide program that offers cash rewards for information, from anonymous callers, that leads to the arrest and indictment of criminals. The program guarantees the anonymity of callers. The Dallas Crime Stoppers office is funded by the NTCC, fines levied by the Dallas and Collin County courts, private donations, and fund raising. At the time of the offense, the office was staffed by officers of the Dallas Police Department and deputies with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.

Ross worked at the Dallas Crime Stoppers office from 2003 to May 2010, and was the head of that office from March 2006 to May 2010.

According to plea documents filed in the case, beginning in February 2005 and continuing to May 2010, Ross and Delley conspired together to defraud the NTCC. Ross determined which tips would be presented to the NTCC for cash reward approval and prepared the list of Crime Stoppers cash rewards that were to be paid each month and sent the lists to JP Morgan Chase Bank. These lists contained both bogus tips that Ross had created as part of the scheme and legitimate cash reward tip numbers and code words. Ross provided the bogus tip information to Delley, who then presented that information to the bank and collected cash rewards. Afterwards, Delley, per Ross’ instructions, divided the cash with Ross. On many occasions, Delley would deposit Ross’ share directly into Ross’ bank account.

From February 2005 through May 2010, the conspirators collected at least $250,000 in cash rewards for bogus tips, resulting in a loss to the North Texas Crime Commission. No false arrests were made based on Ross’ actions.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Dallas Police Department-Public Integrity Unit, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Errin Martin prosecuted.