Margaret Ward Heilman, 66, from Darlington County, and Katherine Ward Gray, 60, from Florence County, have been sentenced to federal prison after admitting guilt in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The court was presented with evidence showing that Heilman served as the bookkeeper for a business located in Florence County. In her role, she had access to the company's bank accounts and possessed signature authority. Starting in 2014, Heilman began issuing checks to herself and others, including her sister Gray, for personal expenses. These transactions were disguised as legitimate business expenses on the company’s general ledger.
Heilman's fraudulent activities resulted in the embezzlement of $1.5 million from the company.
United States District Judge Joseph Dawson III sentenced Heilman to 20 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $1.5 million in restitution. Gray received a seven-month prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $234,131.82 in restitution. The federal system does not allow parole.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service alongside the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy F. Bower is handling the prosecution.