Former Chief Operating Officer of Long Island Federal Credit Union Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Suzanne Silva, the former Chief Operating Officer of Winthrop University Hospital Employees Federal Credit Union (Winthrop University HEFCU), pleaded guilty to embezzling $465,172 during her employment at the credit union.  Today’s plea took place before United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley.  When sentenced, Silva faces up to 30 years in prison, as well as restitution of $465,172 and a fine of up to $1 million.

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.

“Silva has admitted that she abused her authority as Chief Operating Officer by stealing funds from the Credit Union for personal travel and shopping sprees,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “Today’s guilty plea sends the message that those who engage in such criminal conduct will be caught and prosecuted.”

Between March 2011 and June 2018, Silva used her authority at Winthrop University HEFCU to transfer hundreds of thousands of dollars from operating accounts of the credit union to accounts in her name and the names of family members.  She used the funds to take Caribbean cruises, travel to Cancun and pay thousands of dollars a month for purchases from the Amazon and Etsy websites.  Silva’s employment was terminated by Winthrop University HEFCU in June 2018. 

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Charles P. Kelly and Madeline O’Connor are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

Suzanne Silva
Age:  35
Carle Place, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-507 (DRH)