Former Controller of the George Town Club Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Former Employer

     WASHINGTON - Isabelle Garcia, 56, former controller for the George Town Club (“GTC”), pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of wire fraud stemming from a scheme in which she defrauded the GTC of over $300,000. 

     The announcement was made by Channing D. Phillips, Acting U.S. Attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Robert Bornstein, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Washington Field Office, Criminal Division.

     Garcia was indicted in May 2018 on two counts of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, and one count of first degree fraud.  Garcia pleaded guilty to wire fraud, the first count of the indictment, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.  The remaining charges will be dismissed at sentencing.  Wire fraud carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and potential financial penalties.  Under federal sentencing guidelines, Garcia faces a likely range of 27 to 33 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.  The plea agreement also calls for Garcia to pay $300,422.06 in restitution and to agree to entry of a $300,422.06 forfeiture money judgment.  The Honorable John D. Bates of the United States District Court for the Distict of Columbia scheduled Garcia’s sentencing for September 29, 2021. 

     As part of her plea, Garcia admitted that she was the controller for the GTC, a private dining club located in the District of Columbia.  From 2006 to 2013, Garcia admitted that she used her control over GTC financial accounts to make payments to herself and to third parties for her personal benefit.  Through her scheme, Garcia wrongfully obtained $300,442.06 to which she was not entitled. 

     In announcing the plea, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillips and Special Agent in Charge Robert Bornstein commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office.  They also expressed appreciation for the work of Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Frijas.  Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Lallas and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Saler, who prosecuted the case. 

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