It was a slick hustle until she got caught.
Ephonia Green Stole Millions From Assoc. Of American Medical Colleges
6:16 PM, Nov 25, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA9) -- Ephonia Green seemed like a great philanthropist. The Upper Marlboro bridal salon owner donated scores of wedding gowns to the troops.
But Green may have been paying for those gowns with money she embezzled from a local non-profit.
Green just pleaded guilty to stealing $5.1 million from a local non-profit, one of the biggest charity rip-offs in DC in years.
Green admitted in federal court that for years she had been pilfering checks from the Association of American Medical Colleges, which helps medical schools and administers the MCAT admissions test.
In addition to the bridal salon, Green worked as an administrative assistant at the non-profit. She set up businesses that sounded like legitimate venders -- like the Brookings Institute instead of the Brookings Institution. Then she'd request checks be issued to the Brookings Institution and deposit them in her account for the Brookings Institute.
She was able to get away with it for eight years, until a bank finally withheld payment on a $113,000 check and notified the non-profit.
She's now looking at as much as 20 years in prison. And she has to pay back the money. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 28 at 9:30
http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/284055/187/Wedding-Gown-Donor-Pleads-Guilty-To-51-Million-Theft
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Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing $5M From Nonprofit
WASHINGTON November 26, 2013 (AP)
A woman known for donating gowns from her Maryland bridal shop to military brides has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $5 million.
Forty-four-year-old Ephonia Green entered the plea Monday in U.S. District Court in Washington. She pleaded guilty to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and engaging in illegal monetary transactions.
Prosecutors say Green embezzled from the Association of American Medical Colleges while working as an administrative assistant. Court files show nearly $1.4 million was paid through checks to Green's bridal shop in Upper Marlboro.
A court document states Green opened bank accounts in names that closely resembled legitimate vendors.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 28. Prosecutors say Green faces between 41 months and 51 months in prison. Green also agreed to criminal forfeiture and restitution.
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Ephonia Green Stole Millions From Assoc. Of American Medical Colleges
6:16 PM, Nov 25, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA9) -- Ephonia Green seemed like a great philanthropist. The Upper Marlboro bridal salon owner donated scores of wedding gowns to the troops.
But Green may have been paying for those gowns with money she embezzled from a local non-profit.
Green just pleaded guilty to stealing $5.1 million from a local non-profit, one of the biggest charity rip-offs in DC in years.
Green admitted in federal court that for years she had been pilfering checks from the Association of American Medical Colleges, which helps medical schools and administers the MCAT admissions test.
In addition to the bridal salon, Green worked as an administrative assistant at the non-profit. She set up businesses that sounded like legitimate venders -- like the Brookings Institute instead of the Brookings Institution. Then she'd request checks be issued to the Brookings Institution and deposit them in her account for the Brookings Institute.
She was able to get away with it for eight years, until a bank finally withheld payment on a $113,000 check and notified the non-profit.
She's now looking at as much as 20 years in prison. And she has to pay back the money. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 28 at 9:30
http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/284055/187/Wedding-Gown-Donor-Pleads-Guilty-To-51-Million-Theft
_________________________________
Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing $5M From Nonprofit
WASHINGTON November 26, 2013 (AP)
A woman known for donating gowns from her Maryland bridal shop to military brides has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $5 million.
Forty-four-year-old Ephonia Green entered the plea Monday in U.S. District Court in Washington. She pleaded guilty to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and engaging in illegal monetary transactions.
Prosecutors say Green embezzled from the Association of American Medical Colleges while working as an administrative assistant. Court files show nearly $1.4 million was paid through checks to Green's bridal shop in Upper Marlboro.
A court document states Green opened bank accounts in names that closely resembled legitimate vendors.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 28. Prosecutors say Green faces between 41 months and 51 months in prison. Green also agreed to criminal forfeiture and restitution.
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