Former Controller for Cepia, LLC Sentenced on Federal Fraud Charges

ST. LOUIS—The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Joseph B. Van Gronigen was sentenced to 20 months in prison on mail fraud charges involving his embezzlement of approximately $500,000, from his employer, Cepia, LLC, headquartered in Clayton, MO. In addition to his prison sentence, Mr. Van Gronigen was ordered to pay restitution of $500,000.

According to the facts filed with the court, between September 2007 thought January 2010, Van Gronigen embezzled approximately $500,000 from Cepia, LLC, for his own use and to pay his own expenses. Van Gronigen was employed by Cepia, LLC from 2005 to January 2010, and served as their controller from 2008 to January 2010. His duties included accounts receivables, billing and invoicing, cash receipts and accounts payable.

JOSEPH B. VAN GRONIGEN, of Hillsboro, MO, pled guilty last January to one felony count of mail fraud. He appeared today for sentencing before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.

Cepia, LLC cooperated fully in bringing this to the attention of the FBI and this office for investigation.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. First Assistant United States Attorney Michael W. Reap handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.