WICHITA, KS—A Butler county man pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal charge of stealing more than $1.2 million from Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, a Wichita-based company that owns assisted living centers in Kansas and Missouri, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

In Kansas, the company has facilities in Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City, Olathe, Lawrence, Emporia, Salina, Dodge City, Fort Scott, Parsons, Arkansas City, Newton, Sterling and Clay Center.

Brent A. Shryock, 44, Augusta, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred while he was employed as information systems director for the company. He was in charge of all computers, telephones, video information and electronic equipment, including the purchase of new or replacement equipment for PMMA, Presbyterian Manor, Aberdeen and Ashfield facilities.

In his plea, Shryock said he created four fictitious companies and used them to submit fraudulent invoices to PMMA. As a result, the company was defrauded out of more than $1.2 million.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 6. The parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of three years in federal prison and restitution to be determined by the judge.

Shryock’s wife and co-defendant, Lori A. Shryock, is scheduled for a change of plea hearing May 22.

Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.