Source: www.usdoj.gov\opa\pr\2000\December\691crm.htm

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2000

LOS ANGELES U.S. ATTORNEYS' OFFICE EMPLOYEE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A former Los Angeles U.S. Attorney's Office employee was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges she used office government credit cards to take more than $100,000 to be used for personal travel expenses for herself, friends and the purchase of personal gifts for herself including clothing and computer equipment.

The 10-count indictment was returned in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles against Dorothy Menyweather, of Los Angeles, on one count of theft of government property and nine counts of wire and mail fraud. According to the indictment, Menyweather, 36, committed the fraudulent scheme from about July 1997 to March 2000.

She was placed on administrative leave from the U.S. Attorney's Administrative Division without pay since March 2000.

As alleged in the indictment, Menyweather used the credit cards to pay for travel expenses and personal bills for herself, and other friends and relatives. She also bought computers and related equipment, clothing, stereos, electronic games and gift certificates redeemable for cash and merchandise.

As alleged in the indictment, Menyweather sold some of the computers and related equipment that she purchased with the government issued card for her benefit. She used the office's Federal Express account to ship the goods for delivery to her customers.

As further alleged in the indictment, Menyweather made numerous fraudulent misrepresentations and reports and computer entries to try to conceal the fraudulent purchases. She also failed to make certain reports concerning her purchases despite her duty to do so.

If convicted, Menyweather faces a possible sentence of up to l0 years on the theft charge and up to five years in prison on each of the nine wire and mail fraud counts. In addition to the fines of up to $250,000 for each count, she could also be ordered to make restitution to the government in the amount of the loss as determined by the court at sentencing.

The prosecution is being handled by the Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice working with Special Agents of the Office of Inspector General in Los Angeles. The U.S. Attorneys' office in Los Angeles recused itself from the matter.