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A former customer service representative for Teche Federal Bank in New Iberia pleaded guilty in federal court for embezzling bank funds.

Brandy Rogers of New Iberia, was charged in September 2011 with embezzlement of bank funds. U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley says while Rogers' worked at the bank from June of 2008 through January of 2011, she was accessing customer accounts and certificates of deposits without the customers’ knowledge or permission. Finley says she created a Teche Federal Bank account using a made-up name and social security number. The attorney says some of the funds embezzled were deposited into this account and subsequently spent by Rogers writing checks using the made-up name.

Another method Finley says Rogers used was the creation and processing of loans in the names of Teche Federal Bank customers without their knowledge. Finley says Rogers then issued and forged cashier’s checks in the customer’s name. In her effort to conceal this scheme, Rogers altered the customers’ IRS 1099 forms so that the customers wouldn’t know.

At the plea hearing, Rogers acknowledged that she embezzled funds for her personal benefit, including the purchase of vehicles, home improvements, living expenses and entertainment. The total amount of money embezzled was $387,321.45.

At sentencing, Rogers faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million, or both, and no more than 5 years probation. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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