WAYCROSS, Ga.–A former credit union teller has pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing more than $320,000 from members’ accounts.
Teresa Ann Perkins, 58, pleaded guilty to embezzling from accounts at Community United FCU between Dec. 22, 2015, and May 2, 2017.
The crime was apparently discovered when a member approached one of the auditors and said about $320,000 had been taken from his certificates of deposit although he had withdrawn no funds from them, according to U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Jason Lynch, Jacksonville.com reported. A subsequent audit discovered Perkins had taken funds from that member to repay money she had embezzled from the certificates of deposit of two other members, Lynch told the court.
Lynch, in turn, admitted taking money to replace money she had taken from her mother, Lynch told the court, according to Jacksonville.com. Lynch said she spent the money on day-to-day activities, and there is no evidence of expensive purchases, such as a new car, or any big vacations.
The court was told it does not appear any of the funds remain.
Community United FCU was placed in conservatorship by NCUA as a result of the theft.
Perkins is free on bond and will remain so until sentenced later. The maximum possible sentence is 30 years and a $1 million fine.