Controller for Prov-Based Tech Company Pleads Guilty to Over $550K in Wire Fraud

Controller for Prov-Based Tech Company Pleads Guilty to Over $550K in Wire Fraud

A controller employed by a Providence-based technology company specializing in optimization of electromagnetic and automated process equipment pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax charges.

Jill Martinho, 43, of Swansea, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to charges that she executed a scheme to defraud the company of more than $550,000 in reimbursements for business-related expenses she was not entitled to, and that she failed to pay taxes to the IRS for the funds she fraudulently received.

She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on July 19, 2019.

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The Investigation

According to information presented to the Court, from May 2015 through February 2018, Martinho was authorized to purchase supplies necessary for her company with the use of personal credit cards.

Although Martinho was entitled to reimbursements from the company totaling approximately $459,224, based on her fraudulent claims, including the use of fraudulently created card statements, she received approximately $1,017,295 from the company, causing the company a loss of approximately $557,974.

Additionally, Martinho did not report the fraudulently obtained income to the IRS nor did she pay taxes due the IRS.

Martinho had been employed by the company since 2005.