Yesterday, STEPHANIE FANNIN, 45, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to a one-count felony information charging her with wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
The information was filed against Fannin in federal court on April 12, 2023. It alleges that from 2018 until April 2021, Fannin served as the office manager of General Lighting and Sign Services (GLSS). In her role as the office manager, Fannin had complete access to GLSS’s operating account and managed accounts payable and receivable for GLSS’s business transactions. She also created and disbursed invoices, tracked licenses of employed contracted workers, and managed the payroll of GLSS employees.
Yesterday, Fannin pleaded guilty to the information before U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton. At the hearing, Fannin admitted that between early 2018 and April 2021, she issued approximately 294 unauthorized checks made payable to her drawn on GLSS’s operating account, and deposited each of these checks into her personal bank account to pay for personal items and services. She further admitted that she used computer software to make it appear that the unauthorized checks had been made to GLSS’s vendors. Fannin admitted that she embezzled approximately $1,432,260.03 from GLSS.
At sentencing, Fannin faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a $250,00.00 fine, and 3 years of supervised release. She will also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim company. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in approximately 90 days.
This case is a result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Brown.