Springfield, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Mary S. Becker, 57, of Jerseyville, IL, was sentenced in federal court, today, for bank fraud, Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced. Becker received a sentence of 63 months in prison, a $100 special assessment, five years’ supervised release, and mandatory restitution in the amount of $4,450,000. The bank fraud took place from at least 2003, through January, 2011, in Jersey County, Illinois. Some of her property traceable to the bank fraud violation was turned over to Jersey State Bank, which included two condominiums in Osage Beach, Missouri, a 38’ boat, vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, and bank stock. Other assets belonging to Becker will be forfeited.
“This sentence is a severe, but just, penalty for such a horrific breach of trust perpetrated by Ms. Becker. Just because you steal without using a weapon does not entitle you to special treatment. Fraudsters, scammers, and thieves will be prosecuted so that we may all be secure in our business dealings.” said United States Attorney Wigginton.
Becker electronically transferred funds from the bank’s corresponding accounts to her own accounts, inflated expenses to a prepaid expense account, and then electronically transferred the funds to her account, took money from a certificate of deposit account and concealed the money in the bank’s general ledger. To perpetuate the scheme, Becker provided false information in the monthly reports to the Board. Becker additionally provided false information to FDIC examiners and to state bank examiners. Becker was employed by the Jersey State Bank since approximately 1976. During her employment she held various positions including assistant cashier, a director of the bank holding corporation, and executive vice-president. Her responsibilities included being in charge of the bank’s general ledger, the corresponding accounts, and she provided regular reports to the president and board members as to the bank’s assets, stability, and financial soundness.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation/Office of Inspector General. The was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Norman R. Smith.
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is engaging in criminal activity or fraud, you may report this activity by contacting the local Federal Bureau of Investigation at (618) 397-4401 or by mailing information to: Federal Bureau of Investigation, 6701 North Illinois, Suite 200, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Report Financial Institution Fraud
The FDIC OIG operates a toll-free, nationwide Hotline (1-800-964-FDIC) to provide a convenient way to report suspected instances of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement in FDIC programs or operations.
- Electronic mail: ighotline@fdic.gov
- Or write:
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Office of Inspector General: Hotline
3501 Fairfax Drive
Room VS-D-9069
Arlington, VA 22226
