Former FedStar Federal Credit Union CEO Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge

ROANOKE, Va. – The former CEO of the FedStar Federal Credit Union, which operated branches in both Roanoke and Salem, Virginia, pled guilty last week in federal court to charges related to her use of credit union funds for personal purchases from 2018 and 2020.

Kelly Givens, 37, of Salem, Virginia, waived her right to be indicted and pled guilty last week to a one-count Information charging her with misapplication of credit union funds in excess of $1,000.

According to court documents, Givens was the CEO of FedStar beginning in 2016. Between 2018 and 2020 she used the FedStar credit card and FedStar business Amazon account for personal purchases totaling more than $12,000. Givens purchased running shoes, hiking shoes, tickets for sporting events, and electronic devices, among other personal purchases.

As part of an effort to conceal her theft, Givens provided false information to FedStar’s Board of Directors and the National Credit Union Administration.

At sentencing, Givens faces a maximum, statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Division, Stanley M. Meador made the announcement today.

The investigation of the case was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Virginia State Police, and the National Credit Union Administration – Office of the Inspector General.   

Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin B. Johnson and Michael Baudinet are prosecuting the case for the United States.