Former Lafayette Spa Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud Charges

Angie Normand, a former bookkeeper for Coccolare Spa in Lafayette, has pleaded guilty in federal
court to wire fraud charges related to her embezzlement of $184,788.88 from the spa.

Court documents say 41-year-old Normand created a scheme in which she embezzled funds by cashing company checks from Coccolare Spa’s account and subsequently converting a portion of the monies for her own use. Normand also falsely, and without authority, increased her own salary by manipulating her payroll information, and wire transferring the inflated payments into her personal bank account. In order to conceal the scheme to defraud, Normand prepared false records, entries, and deposit slips, and altered payroll and tip records.

At the plea hearing, Normand acknowledged that she used and caused others to use interstate wire communications facilities to further her scheme to defraud.

U.S. Attorney Finley stated: “Angie Normand allowed her greed to take over and now she will face serious consequences for her actions. Business owners of this community should know that my office will continue to aggressively prosecute individuals who defraud and embezzle from them.”

Normand faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both, and up to three years of probation. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.