A South Carolina resident has been sentenced for her role in a significant embezzlement and identity theft scheme. Valerie Joseph, aged 61, from Murrells Inlet, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher to 53 months in federal prison, followed by 12 months of home detention. The sentencing came after her conviction on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft related to a $1.4 million embezzlement scheme that spanned a decade. In addition to her prison sentence, Joseph has been ordered to pay $1.4 million in restitution.
This announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, in conjunction with FBI Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno.
According to court documents, Joseph, along with her husband Robin, conspired to defraud a wholesale greenhouse and garden center, referred to as Victim Business 1, and its owner, Victim K.F. Joseph began working at the Maryland-based business as a bookkeeper in 2003. The fraudulent activities continued until August 2021.
The couple used credit cards affiliated with Victim Business 1 and Victim K.F. to make unauthorized transactions for personal gain. These included charges to accounts with American Express, Capital One, and Lowes/Synchrony Financial. Over more than ten years, the unauthorized purchases included more than $200,000 at Walmart, $53,000 for AT&T personal phone bills, and over $116,000 to PayPal. Among other expenses were significant charges for utility bills, tuition, college expenses, and cosmetics.
Robin Joseph's part in the scheme was significant. He has pled guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, with a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a mandatory additional two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft.
U.S. Attorney Hayes praised the FBI for its role in the investigation and acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Riley in prosecuting the case.
For further information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and resources available for reporting fraud, individuals are directed to visit their official website.