A Tipton County woman has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for fraud after stealing money from a Drummonds-based business.
According to information presented in court, in 2017, Cynthia Shellenberger, 52, was hired by Dozertrax USA as an office manager/bookkeeper.
Between May 2017 and March 2018, Shellenberger systematically defrauded the company of $164,761 by using company funds to pay for her personal expenses, said U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant.
Company owners Ron and Sherry Clowes uncovered the fraud when Shellenberger was out of the office on sick leave.
Shellenberger pleaded guilty to the charges on Jan. 23.
On Tuesday, during the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Court Judge John Fowlkes Jr., Sherry Clowes informed the judge that due to the fraud, she and her husband are struggling to keep the company operating.
Shellenberger has a lengthy history of theft and fraud convictions.
Judge Fowlkes sentenced her to 51 months’ of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
As a condition of her release, Shellenberger was ordered to make full restitution to the company.
“Financial fraud can happen anywhere, and can be devastating to local businesses,” Dunavant. “The defendant used her position of trust and authority to steal proceeds for her personal benefit, and her dishonesty has been exposed. We are pleased that justice has been achieved on behalf of the victims, and we commend the FBI and TCSO for their outstanding investigation in this disappointing case. Wherever fraud occurs in the Western District of Tennessee, this office will be prepared to hold offenders accountable.”
The FBI and Tipton County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
