Home St. Louis Press Releases 2010 Former Controller for Cepia, LLC Indicted on Federal Fraud Charges
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Former Controller for Cepia, LLC Indicted on Federal Fraud Charges

U.S. Attorney’s Office March 25, 2010
  • Eastern District of Missouri

ST. LOUIS, MO—The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Joseph B. Van Gronigen was indicted on mail fraud charges involving his embezzlement of more than $400,000, from his employer, Cepia, LLC, headquartered in Clayton, MO.

According to the indictment, between September 2007 thought January 2010, Van Gronigen embezzled in excess of $400,000 from Cepia, LLC, for his own use and to pay his own expenses. Van Gronigen was employed by Cepia, LLC from 2005 to January 2010, and served as their controller from 2008 to January 2010.  His duties included accounts receivables, billing and invoicing, cash receipts, and accounts payable. 

"We encourage all corporations to notify us when there is suspicious activity," said Roland J. Corvington Special Agent in Charge of the FBI St. Louis Division. "The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate corporate fraud."

Van Gronigen, 41, of Hillsboro, MO, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two felony counts of mail fraud. He is expected to appear in federal court later this week

If convicted, each count of mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.

Cepia, LLC brought this to the attention of the FBI and this office for investigation.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. First Assistant United States Attorney Michael W. Reap is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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