August 5, 2014

Former Bank Branch Manager Admits Embezzling More Than $263,000 of Bank’s Money

CAMDEN, NJ—A former branch manager for Newfield National Bank in Franklinville, New Jersey, today admitted that she embezzled $263,864 from the bank, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Season Wengert, 32, of Franklinville, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to an information charging her with one count of bank embezzlement. Wengert was released on bail after her guilty plea hearing.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Wengert worked as the bank manager at the Franklinville Branch of the Newfield National Bank. From Sept. 4, 2007, through Jan. 7, 2013, Wengert embezzled funds by fraudulently conducting online computer transfers of money from 38 accounts belonging to 23 customers into accounts owned by her or her husband. She also withdrew money from customers’ accounts and deposited it into her accounts. As branch manager, Wengert was able to conceal her embezzlement by failing to note the fraudulent withdrawals in the customers’ passbooks and by transferring money through various customers’ accounts to cover shortages. When customers sought to withdraw money from an account which had been embezzled, Wengert would then transfer money from another victim’s account to cover the withdrawal and conceal her fraudulent conduct. Wengert stole $263,864 for her own use.

The bank embezzlement count to which Wenger pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Under the terms of her plea agreement, Wenger is required to make full restitution to her former employer for all of the losses resulting from her embezzlement. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 13, 2014.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Hanko, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Carrig of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.