This week, Judge Kenneth Bell signed off on an agreement between Donna Steele and federal prosecutors for early prepayment. Perkins said the company was alerted to the embezzlement when the bank informed Jack Perkins about odd activity in the account. You can cancel at any time. When credit card companies reached out to Steele about suspicious transactions, she would respond saying the transactions were approved, the documents said. Dissolved. She needs to go away for a long time.. She admitted diverting more than $15 million of company money, funds that were used for lavish purchases and to support her clothing company Opulence by Steele. I was like, Gosh, that sounds really cool. It sounds cool, Carter said. Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. The company is a North Carolina Domestic Business Corporation, which was filed on March 12, 2015. She agreed to start early repayment in March. The address on file for this person is 178 North Shore Dr, Hickory, NC 28601 in Catawba County. Hickory fiber optic manufacturer CommScope was the victim of a ransomware attack in late March, the company confirmed in a statement Tuesday. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Steele is charged with one count of wire fraud. Carter wrote to the judge handling Steeles embezzlement case saying: Ms. (WSOC). Donna Steele is 54 years old and was born on 03/08/1969. Donna lives at 1260 6th Str NW, Hickory, NC 28601-2408. According to the documents, some of the charges to company credit cards Steele made include $1 million for travel expenses on airlines and hotels for herself, her family and friends, $1 million in entertainment-related expenses and $500,000 in jewelry. Earlier this year, Channel 9s Dave Faherty reported that Donna Steele pleaded guilty to a wire fraud embezzlement scheme that involved Tigra, a company based out . We have chickens. The federal government would hold any payments before they are disbursed to the defrauded party. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, 'On Patrol: Live:' Brookford police to appear on TV show again; episodes air Friday, Saturday nights, Update: 2 adults, 2 teens charged in Hickory shooting that injured 17-year-old, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. Since Steeles 1995 embezzlement charge while employed by AdSign was a superior court case, those records were still available. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Photos courtesy of LAZE L FARM PHOTOGRAPHY, Photo courtesy of LAZE L FARM PHOTOGRAPHY, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. She just got really greedy really quickly, Perkins said. As of 2 p.m. Thursday, no letters in support of Steele were posted in her case file. Hickory fiber optic manufacturer CommScope was the victim of a ransomware attack in late March, the company confirmed in a statement Tuesday. The former CEO of a company in Hickory who is accused of stealing more than $15 million was sentenced to eight years in prison Thursday. Steele pleaded guilty to a wire fraud embezzlement scheme that involved Tigra, a company based out of Hickory. Donna Steele, 47, is accused of embezzling $15 million from 2013 until 2020 from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory where she worked as CEO. She's accused of embezzling over $15 million from her employer from 2013-2020. Today, he is the owner of the Chick-fil-A restaurant on U.S. 70 in Hickory, he said. Donna Steele arrives Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Charlotte for sentencing on embezzlement charges, Steeles detractors and supporters submitted letters to the court seeking to influence the sentence. Carter wrote to the judge handling Steele's embezzlement case saying: "Ms. Steele . She is expected to formally accept the plea agreement in Charlotte, Bantavani said. Me and Stacy have been looking for a working farm for the past year and a half to two years to invest in together. A Taylorsville woman who earlier this year pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million has signaled she is willing to begin making restitution payments ahead of her sentencing. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), RELATED: Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million accepts plea deal, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, City worker killed in accidental fire at home, Charlotte Fire says, 3-year construction project on NCs Blue Ridge Parkway begins, Cornelius police officer resigns after arrest, officials say, Man accused in NC deputys shooting death escapes jail, deputies say, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. We build and install lighted signs.. During the same time period, Steele executed at least 117 fraudulent and unauthorized bank wires, totaling more than $2.2 million, from TIGRAs bank accounts to Steeles personal bank account, which she then used for her personal benefit, including to fund a personal real estate closing, according to the news release. 36. 1. In the past, Donna has also been known as Donna O Steele, Donna Kelley, Donna Brendle Osowitt, Donna M Brendleosowitt and Donna M Kelley. . Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. Eventually, the plan is for people or organizations hosting Christmas parties and other events to rent the entire venue, Goewey said. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Shes very slick. Perkins is the current owner of AdSign Corporation in Winston-Salem. S. Cayer said in court. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. Along with the embezzlement charge in 1995, Steele has also pleaded guilty to fraud rental vehicle in Forsyth County in 1995, two counts of forgery in Forsyth County in 1994, two counts of worthless checks in Forsyth County in 1994, four counts of worthless checks in 1994 in Yadkin County, five counts of worthless checks in 1995 in Davie County, and four counts of worthless checks in 1995 in Forsyth County, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website. Free Tools ; Leads by Industry ; Top Profiles . A judge will decide the total restitution. This is the one, when it came available, we decided to go for it, Goewey said. The court documents state that Steele was suffering from a mental condition that was insufficient to constitute a defense but significantly reduced the defendants capability. Seeing someone come in town and do good things in town, we were all kind of excited. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. A motion filed by the prosecution last week listed the agreed-upon restitution amount at roughly $16.9 million and included a nearly 2-page list of jewelry and accessories the government has seized. She transferred more than $350,000 of embezzled money to the family company. Steele, 52, of Taylorsville will be sentenced at a later date, Judge David. [ALSO READ: Former high school booster club treasurer accused of embezzlement]. He has horses. 2023 Cox Media Group. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. The entire team was a pleasure to work with. Steele also used stolen money to fund personal businesses run by her family. You can cancel at any time. You have permission to edit this article. In handing down the sentence, Bell dismissed Steeles bid for leniency as excuse-making and said he doubted she was truly remorseful for her actions. Kasie Mooneyham, Kyle Chapman and Sarah Holm presented a damning portrait of Steele as a master manipulator and habitual liar who created an environment of perpetual paranoia and anxiety.. Hickory, NC. Donna Osowitt Steele was charged with embezzling $15 million from the Hickory office of TIGRA USA. (WATCH BELOW: Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement), Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement. The main room has a large wooden cross in the center of the back wall and is lit by chandeliers hanging from the tall ceiling. Kevin Griffin is the City of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. Steeles attorney, Christopher Fialko, had not responded to a request for comment on the letters as of 2 p.m. Thursday. A court filing on Friday, Dec. 17, also accuses Donna Osowitt Steele, of Taylorsville, North Carolina, of using stolen money to fund personal businesses run by her family. Goewey said he began working for Chick-fil-A at age 15. She had been living at that address since December 2007. After pleading guilty earlier this year, Channel 9 learned that as part of her plea agreement, Steele agreed to pay full restitution in the embezzlement case and is liquidating her assets. There was a problem saving your notification. Email Address: s XBCM @yahoo.com. 2 min read. (Facebook photo) A Taylorsville woman accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer in Catawba County had been convicted in the past of embezzlement as well. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, 'On Patrol: Live:' Brookford police to appear on TV show again; episodes air Friday, Saturday nights, Update: 2 adults, 2 teens charged in Hickory shooting that injured 17-year-old, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. . Please subscribe to keep reading. Carter said she was speechless the first time she came down the driveway to the barn venue. Select this result to view Donna M Steele's phone number, address, and more. Steele was employed at the company in 1999 and was promoted to chief executive officer in 2015, court documents say. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The three employees pointed to signs of trouble at the company during Steeles tenure. (WATCH BELOW: Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle), Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. She also had four charges for worthless checks in Yadkin County that year. Thats kind of the plans for that. Goewey said he looked at the property when it was for sale seven or eight years ago before the Steeles bought and remodeled the cabin, farmhouse and barn. You have permission to edit this article. Current Address: IHCI 6th St NW, Hickory, NC. We are gratified that justice is being done, Motzer, the president of the company, said in an email. Goewey said he also wants the farm to be used as an educational tool. After pleading guilty, Channel 9 now knows that as part of her plea agreement, Steele has agreed to pay full restitution in the embezzlement case and is liquidating her assets, according to court documents. Steele plans to liquidate some of her assets to make the payments. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). We grabbed lunch downtown and then took a brief stroll on the City Walk. The former CEO has been charged with embezzling more than $15 million from her employer and using stolen money to pay for a lavish lifestyle, including travel, jewelry and family weddings, according to the courts. Those writing in support of Steele included her family members and representatives of a prison ministry Steele has worked with. Motzer said he has since taken over as TIGRA USAs acting CEO. Mooneyham also recalled Steele using her own credit card in some cases to pay for charges when the company card was declined. Mooneyham recalled Steele ordering her to put mailed documents such as bank statements and past-due letters in Mooneyhams car while representatives from Germany visited. Kevin Griffin is the city of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. Carter can be contacted at kerrie@ellendaleevents.com. The documents said she used stolen money to fund an extravagant lifestyle and a personal business, Opulence by Steele, in Taylorsville. Donna O Steele is listed as a Vice President with Steele's luxury real estate, inc. in North Carolina. Donna Steele quickly understood our style and truly made our vision a reality. Steele faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Please subscribe to keep reading. Attorneys hired by Steele asked for a five-year prison sentence along with supervised release while prosecutors sought a prison sentence between 70 and 87 months a range of roughly six years to a little more than seven years. Downtown Hickory NC. Steele entered a guilty plea in January, admitting to embezzling more than $15 million from TIGRA USA, a Germany-based tool company with a location in Hickory. The Brookford Police Department will be making a second appearance on the TV show On Patrol: Live this weekend. There is a large white barn on the property that serves as an event venue. Steele worked at TIGRA USA in Hickory from 1999 to January 2020. Reporter Dave Faherty went into Tigra in December and workers said there are about 10,000 employees who work there. She added: I never questioned her about this because I trusted her and never thought there was an alternative reason for doing this. Irene Wysong Cline, Andrew Bridgeforth, and eight other persons are also associated with this address. Steele admitted that, in an effort to hide the fraudulent scheme, she limited communications and interactions between the employees and owners for TIGRA and monitored communications that did occur, she convinced employees that company owners should be feared, and lied to employees about the true nature of TIGRAs financial trouble, according to the news release. Donna Steele agrees to early payment in $15 million embezzlement case; she is former CEO of Hickory location of international company. Prosecutors originally asked for 70-87 months of prison time. Cayer gave her a $25,000 unsecured bond and ordered that she surrender her passport. Faherty went to her home in Alexander County but was told no comment and asked to leave. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million accepts plea deal. We didnt know what we were doing because we didnt get an email a text message a phone call or anything about what to do, Couch said. A Hickory man charged in a fatal hit-and-run in Claremont made his first appearance in Catawba County court on Monday. Former Hickory CEO to be sentenced in $15M embezzlement scheme. A Hickory man charged in a fatal hit-and-run in Claremont made his first appearance in Catawba County court on Monday. The property was previously owned by Timothy and Donna Steele. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. During her six months with the company, Britt Perkins said Steele embezzled more than $500,000. Steele did not answer any of Channel 9s questions as she headed into the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. 'We were all pawns in Donna's game:' Employees blast embezzling former CEO in letters to judge. Steele had earlier agreed to pay restitution. Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million from Tigra for over seven years, according to federal documents. Goewey said the operation hopes to offer vacation rentals, starting with the cabin on the property. You can cancel at any time. You look at what she did to him, maybe he wouldnt have been that shocked.. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Email: kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Bernd Motzer confirmed the unnamed company is USA Tigra. The former CEO has been charged with embezzling more than $15 . On Jan. 12, Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million dollars from TIGRA USA in Hickory, where she was once CEO, according to court documents. I think that we have some families in the community who are really interested in educating, teaching, Goewey said. Steele was employed at the company in 1999 and was promoted to chief executive officer in 2015, federal court documents say. Court documents reveal Donna Steele took more than $15 million from a business in Hickory. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Oliver's Landing New Build. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Select this result to view Donna M Steele's phone number, address, and more. Donna Steele, seen here in January walking to the federal courthouse to plead guilty to embezzling millions from a Hickory company, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3. Bernd Motzer, the owner Tigra, spoke at the sentencing, noting the company almost went under due to the accused actions of Steele. Hickory Daily Record city reporter CHARLOTTE A Taylorsville woman accused of embezzling millions of dollars from her employer accepted a plea deal in federal court Wednesday morning in Charlotte. A Hickory man charged in a fatal hit-and-run in Claremont made his first appearance in Catawba County court on Monday. As a result of Steeles embezzlement, TIGRA USA experienced several difficulties, including vendors withholding products from the company for non-payment or late payments, customers complaining about being placed on credit holds, notwithstanding timely payments of their bills, employees having their company credit cards declined when they were trying to use them for legitimate business expenses, employees not being paid on time and employees having their insurance canceled without warning. Steele joined the company in 1999 and was serving as its CEO when she was fired in January 2020. There was a problem saving your notification. Steele pleads guilty to embezzling $15 million from Hickory company; she will be sentenced at a later date. They couldnt comment on the investigation, but the companys president sent an email to Channel 9 saying, Thanks for contact us. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'.

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