Former Office Manager Of Baton Rouge Surgery Group Convicted Of Wire Fraud

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that LORRIE LYNN ROGERSON, age 57, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has pled guilty before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to engaging in a wire fraud scheme to defraud the Pediatric Surgery of Louisiana (“PSL”), a group of Baton Rouge physicians who specialize in surgery on children.  As a result of the scheme, Rogerson embezzled approximately $430,490 from PSL.  The sentencing date has not yet been set.

PSL employed Rogerson to act as their office manager.  Rogerson was responsible for PSL’s payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and human resources.  In her role, Rogerson enjoyed access to the bank accounts of PSL for the purpose of making deposits to, and paying bills from, the PSL bank account.  Rogerson was entrusted with the authority and responsibility to manage PSL’s banking affairs.  Rogerson had access to all accounts and was familiar with PSL’s account information.

In April 2015, a review of PSL financial records discovered that Rogerson had accessed PSL’s bank account to make unauthorized withdrawals and transfers for her personal benefit.  Between May 2008 and May 2015, Rogerson caused unauthorized electronic withdrawals to be made from the PSL bank account for the purpose of paying Rogerson’s credit cards.  Rogerson also issued numerous, unauthorized PSL checks for her benefit, and mischaracterized said checks in the accounting software as business expenses. 

Rogerson embezzled funds on approximately 256 occasions during the period of May 2008 and May 2015.  In order to execute the scheme to defraud on January 5, 2015, Rogerson used internet services to divert funds from a PSL bank account for the purpose of paying her personal credit card bills.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Insider fraud continues to be one of the biggest threats facing our business community.  Together with the FBI and our other federal, state, and local partners, we will continue to aggressively meet and pursue this threat through federal criminal investigations and prosecutions.  We commend the victim, PSL, for its cooperation and assistance in this matter.”   

FBI Special Agent-In-Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet stated: “This case is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to work with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute individuals who willingly violate the law in order to personally enrich themselves at the expense of others.”

This matter is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.  The investigation has been conducted by the Baton Rouge Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance provided by the victim, PSL and their accountants.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney René Salomon.