May 21, 201203:23 PMDaily Biz Briefs
Woman convicted of embezzling from tribe
Ann Louise Ludwig was convicted this morning of 20 counts of embezzlement of tribal funds, according to U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.
From 2001 to 2008, Ludwig, then a resident of Copalis Beach, was employed in the finance department of the Quinault Indian Nation. Between March 2007 and November 2008, Ludwig stole $51,111 by abusing her position as an accounting specialist with check-writing authority over certain accounts.
U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle found Ludwig guilty after a three day trial. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 20.
According to records filed in the case, Ludwig was the sole accounting specialist with check-writing authority on the petty cash account. The account is used to assist tribal members who needed to cash checks or receive change after paying their cable and utilities bill.
Ludwig wrote 20 checks to cash or to the bank and used the funds to pay her mortgage or other personal expenses. On eight occasions when checks on the fund were authorized, Ludwig made the checks for amounts in excess of what had been authorized and pocketed the difference. She also used two Costco gift cards for her personal expenses. The cards had been purchased to fund necessities for tribal families after a severe storm.
Ludwig used the cards to make purchases at a Colorado Costco while on vacation. She was terminated from tribal employment in December 2008 after the embezzlement was discovered when a new supervisor tasked an employee with reconciling the petty cash account.
Embezzlement of tribal funds is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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