A Mercer County resident was recently indicted on twelve charges for allegedly embezzling and laundering stolen money from his prior client, Hamilton Park CO-OP.

On April 1, 2022, a Mercer County grand jury indicted the subject on charges of first-degree financial facilitation of criminal activity, second degree theft by unlawful taking, second-degree theft by failure to make required disposition of property received and other related offenses.

According to the State, the suspect allegedly stole funds and laundered money from the the co-op from 2014 through 2018 when he served as the property manager. Financial records allegedly reveal that he stole $925,403.00 directly through unauthorized checks and transfers and allegedly laundered $1,149,7874.00.

The government alleges his tax returns stated he made $64,000 to $79,000 within this timeframe.

Homeowner associations can generate a lot of money from monthly association fees. They have an obligation to ensure that the persons hired to handle the money do not steal these funds. Regular CPA audits, plus smart operating procedures, are required to ensure that these crimes do not occur.