MINEOLA, N.Y.–The former COO at Winthrop University Hospital Employees Federal Credit Union has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after entering a guilty in federal court to embezzling more than $465,000. The funds were used to allow the COO to lead what prosecutors called an "extravagant lifestyle.”
Suzanne Silva, 36, of Carle Place, N.Y., had entered a guilty to a single count of embezzling from a federally insured credit union, as CUToday.info earlier reported here.
Silva was also sentenced to three years' supervised release, ordered to make restitution of the $465,000, and be placed in a mental-health treatment program after she serves her sentence.
The sentencing proceeding was held before United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley.
According to prosecutors, between March 2011 and June 2018, Silva transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars from operating accounts of the credit union to accounts in her name and the names of family members. She used the funds to take Caribbean cruises, travel to Cancun and pay thousands of dollars a month for purchases from the Amazon and Etsy websites.
Silva’s employment was terminated by Winthrop University HEFCU in June 2018.
‘Plundered the Credit Union’
“For years, Silva plundered the credit union, abusing her position as its chief operating officer to commit serious crimes – all to serve herself,” stated United States Attorney Richard P. Donoghue. “For the next 18 months, she will pay the price for her greed.”
Silva, who made $56,000 annually in her position, was represented by a federal public defender as a person unable to afford an attorney. Silva’s attorney, Tracey Gaffey, told local media her client deeply regrets what she has done and has otherwise led an exemplary life. Gaffey said her client now has nothing to show for her actions: “No … home, no car, no bank account.”