MINEOLA, N.Y.–The former COO at Winthrop University Hospital Employees Federal Credit Union has pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling more than $465,000 to fund what prosecutors had called an "extravagant lifestyle.”
Suzanne Silva, 35, of Carle Place, now faces up to 30 years in prison and must also repay $465,172, the amount she admitting to embezzling over seven years to spend on overseas travel and online purchases, in addition to a fine of as much as $1 million, according to U.S. attorney's office for the Eastern District of New York.
As CUToday.info earlier reported here, Silva made unauthorized transfers from WUHEFCU’s operating accounts to personal accounts for herself and family members, using the funds for Caribbean cruises, travel to Cancun, and thousands of dollars each month for Amazon and Etsy purchases.
Silva was suspended by the credit union and resigned in June 2018.
“Silva has admitted that she abused her authority as Chief Operating Officer by stealing funds from the Credit Union for personal travel and shopping sprees,” Richard Donoghue, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a released statement. “Today’s guilty plea sends the message that those who engage in such criminal conduct will be caught and prosecuted.”
The $33-million credit union has approximately 4,100 members.