Former Chief Financial Officer Sentenced for Defrauding Non-Profit for Disabled

NEW ORLEANS—Kelley Williams, age 38, a resident of Terrytown, Louisiana, was sentenced today in federal court today before United States District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten. Williams was sentenced to two years (24 months) in prison and ordered to pay $245,386.60 in restitution. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Feldman ordered that Williams be placed on three years of supervised release following the term of imprisonment, during which time the defendant will be under federal supervision and risks an additional term of imprisonment should she violate any terms of her supervised release.

According to court documents, Kelley Williams was employed by “Non-Profit Corporation A” as the chief financial officer from 2004 until January 26, 2011. Non-Profit Corporation A is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) corporation that provides services to people with developmental disabilities. Williams’ responsibilities included reconciling bank and financial statements for Non-Profit Corporation A, entering financial information into business accounting software, and logging hours worked by personal care attendants. Williams did not have authority to sign checks in her own name or in that of anyone else, without permission.

From February 2004 until January 26, 2011, Williams knowingly possessed forged checks of Non-Profit Corporation A drawn on a Whitney Bank account, in varying amounts, with the intent to deceive another person and organization. Court records indicate that Williams embezzled a total of approximately $245,386.60.

The case was investigated by the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri.