Controller Embezzled Money at Direction of Person He Met through Online Dating Site

PITTSBURGH - A former Pennsylvania resident who now lives in Mississippi pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jeffrey A. Plimpton, 59, formerly of Harrison City, Pa., pled guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about April 8, 2014, and continuing thereafter to on or about Dec. 22, 2015, Plimpton, while serving as the Controller, embezzled over $1.4 million from Alpha Aromatics and Pestco Professional Services. Plimpton wire transferred approximately $1,386,376.04 out of the company’s bank account at the direction of a person he met through an online dating website. For example, at this person’s direction, Plimpton wire transferred $119,780 from the company’s bank account in Pennsylvania to a United Overseas Bank account in Malaysia.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Dec. 15, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court released the defendant on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Plimpton.