Email: kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com. Hickory Daily Record city reporter Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million accepts plea deal. Last week, The Times reported that Donna Osowitt Steele, of Taylorsville, was named as the alleged embezzler of more than $15 million in a Bill of . Prosecutors said she used company credit cards, checks and wire transfers to steal company funds, transferring $350,000 to a boutique company called Opulence by Steele, a luxury clothing and boutique company she created in 2013. 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. Prosecutors argued in a sentencing memo that Steele went to great lengths to disguise her illicit activity by opening accounts in the companys name without the owners knowledge and pushing through transactions after they had been flagged as potentially inappropriate. Steele moved into these houses in September 2016, but she had previously lived at 586 Cherry Ave, West Jefferson NC 28694. Steele also transferred more than $350,000 in embezzled money to a high-end clothing and furniture business that she operated called Opulence by Steele, according to the court filing. Standing before Bell, Steele said: I am completely broken by my actions, my choice and my past. Steele was joined in the courtroom by four rows of family and friends. When credit card companies reached out to Steele about suspicious transactions, she would respond saying the transactions were approved, the documents say. 1. The glass doors, at the back of the main room, lead out onto a large white deck where receptions can be held. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. It is not clear how much Steele has paid or intends to pay early or what assets she will sell to make those payments. Please subscribe to keep reading. Dissolved. You have permission to edit this article. Steele was also charged with fraudulent rental of motor vehicle in April of 1995, according to court documents. Donna Osowitt Steele is accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory between 2013 and 2020, according to court documents. They have also lived in Taylorsville, NC and Cumming, GA. Donna is related to Elliott David Osowitt and Jordan Osowitt as well as 3 additional people. The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Email: kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com. Steeles attorney, Christopher Fialko, had not responded to a request for comment on the letters as of 2 p.m. Thursday. She was ordered to pay $270,131.89 in restitution. Free Tools ; Leads by Industry ; Top Profiles . 'We were all pawns in Donna's game:' Employees blast embezzling former CEO in letters to judge. Mooneyham also recalled Steele using her own credit card in some cases to pay for charges when the company card was declined. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Lia Bantavani with the U.S. Department of Justice said Donna Osowitt Steele has agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud. Carter can be contacted at kerrie@ellendaleevents.com. Eventually, the plan is for people or organizations hosting Christmas parties and other events to rent the entire venue, Goewey said. She pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of larceny. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement, WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), ALSO READ: Register of Deeds accused of embezzling more than $100K from Catawba County, 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. Hickory, NC. Steele fought back tears during the sentencing and turned to Motzer to apologize. You can cancel at any time. Holm wrote that she was hired at age 23 and that working under Steele had a detrimental and lasting impact on both my mental and emotional health. She recalled being bombarded by angry customers unhappy with the service from the company and having to work overtime to satisfy those customers. And she was believable, Britt Perkins said. 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. He admits it was a difficult time for his bride-to-be. (WATCH BELOW: Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement), Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement. . Steele spent more than $1 million on personal travel, according to court documents. Donna Osowitt Steele is accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory between 2013 and 2020. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Once Steele was fired, the company no longer had inventory problems, company credit cards were not declined and there were no longer issues with employee payroll and insurance, according to the documents. Steele, who is from Taylorsville, previously served as the CEO of TIGRA USA in Hickory, an American branch of a German-based tool company. Steele faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. [ALSO READ: Former high school booster club treasurer accused of embezzlement]. Over the last couple of months, the Steele name has been removed from storefronts and other buildings. (WATCH BELOW: Charlotte fraud analyst accused of stealing nearly $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds), Charlotte fraud analyst accused of stealing nearly $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. [ALSO READ: Former high school booster . 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. Faherty also stopped by Steeles Home Market general store on Monday but said the doors were locked and there are for sale signs in front. Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million accepts plea deal. You can cancel at any time. Whether its raising two chickens, gardening or whatever. 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. Steele is accused of spending millions for weddings, trips for herself and family members, other entertainment-related expenses and more. Im very sorry, Steele said softly as she wept. (WATCH BELOW: Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million to fund lavish lifestyle), Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million to fund lavish lifestyle. The former CEO has been charged with embezzling more than $15 . You have permission to edit this article. She also had four charges for worthless checks in Yadkin County that year. Motzer was joined in the courtroom by about a dozen TIGRA employees. Donna Osowitt Steele, 53, received her sentence Thursday . There was a problem saving your notification. Federal court documents indicate Donna Osowitt Steele defrauded an unnamed Hickory company of $15 million through credit card charges, checks, QuickBooks transactions and wire transactions from . I remember her as being very outgoing and assertive, like she was going to get things done. There was a problem saving your notification. Prosecutors said Steele used company credit cards, checks and wire transfers to steal company funds. And Im thinking, Man, when the flowers and the trees and everything comes into bloom, this is just going to be a setting thats so memorable. Thats what I want to do; I want to create memories.. An employee at the Clerk of Court office in Davie County said Steele was charged with four counts of worthless simple checks and two probation violations in 1995. A Hickory man charged in a fatal hit-and-run in Claremont made his first appearance in Catawba County court on Monday. Those writing in support of Steele included her family members and representatives of a prison ministry Steele has worked with. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Even a billboard with the Steele name on it is now available after her wedding venue down the road was sold. Kevin Griffin is the City of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. Opulence by Steele was a high-end clothing and furniture boutique Steele founded in 2013. A man was arrested on an attempted rape charge thanks to the quick action of a local businessman and his friend. 2023 Cox Media Group. The attorneys also claimed the corporate culture at TIGRA brought out the worst in Steele. In pushing for a relatively lenient sentence, Steeles attorneys argued that her mental health challenges, particularly a desire to buy love as a result of an abusive childhood, contributed to her embezzlement. Prosecutors said Steele had a multi-faceted embezzlement scheme, using her position to make more than $6 million in personal credit card purchases, approximately 98 checks totaling more than $2.8 million, 127 QuickBooks transactions totaling more than $4.7 million; and at least 117 wire transfers totaling more than $2.2 million. 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. Mooneyham, Chapman and Holm described a work environment where employees were demeaned and turned against one another. 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. ROBERT C. REED, RECORD Cayer asked Steele if she would like to say anything to the court. Perkins was not satisfied with the sentence Steele received in 1995. A man was arrested on an attempted rape charge thanks to the quick action of a local businessman and his friend. Donna Osowitt Steele is accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory between 2013 and 2020, according to court documents. Court docs say the money went towards her lavish lifestyle and to fund a business run by her and her family. The company that employed Steele isnt named in the court filing. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle, 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, Another homebuyer says Keyo Tiny House didnt do the work, AA pilots picket outside Charlotte Douglas over contract negotiations, 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. She agreed to start early repayment in March. Defendant has a long history of mental problems and at present cannot assist her attorney in the preparation of her case, a motion filed with court documents on Steeles fraudulent rental of motor vehicle charge in Forsyth County reads. She's accused of embezzling over $15 million from her employer from 2013-2020. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. According to Forsyth County court documents, Steele embezzled money at AdSign from Oct. 10, 1994 to March 31, 1995. Two other letters, also critical of Steele, were submitted for the courts consideration in March. Being in this room, Im picturing a bride standing there saying their vows, Carter said. Kevin Griffin is the City of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. Employees of a tool company in Hickory condemned their former CEO Donna Steele as a manipulative liar in letters to a federal judge . Steele is expected to appear in court on Jan. 12 to formally accept the deal. Officials told Channel 9 none of the $15 million has been paid back. We learned an unknown amount of jewelry was turned over the federal officials. Fortunately, (AdSign) caught on to her. In 1993, she faced eight worthless check charges in Forsyth County, according to the county court records. Donna Steele, 47, is accused of embezzling $15 million from 2013 until 2020 from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory where she worked as CEO. {{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'. Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million from a Hickory business over seven years. TIGRA USA, Inc. , Vice President Mrs. Donna Steele 1106 8th ST CT SE Hickory, NC 28602, USA. Donna Osowitt Steele, 53, received her sentence Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Charlotte. Business owner says Alexander County woman's embezzlement scheme in 1995 cost company $500,000; Donna Steele expected in court Wednesday to face charges of embezzling $15 million. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The owners say the farmhouse on the property will eventually be a rental option as part of wedding packages. Donna Steele enters the federal courthouse in Charlotte to plead guilty to wire fraud on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022. Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million from a Hickory business over seven years. Steele pleads guilty to embezzling $15 million from Hickory company; she will be sentenced at a later date. We were so blown away with what she did to us, Perkins said. She transferred more than $350,000 of embezzled money to the family company. She was fired from the company on Jan. 28, 2020. {{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'. The Brookford Police Department will be making a second appearance on the TV show On Patrol: Live this weekend. CHARLOTTE A Taylorsville woman accused of embezzling millions of dollars from her employer accepted a plea deal in federal court Wednesday morning in Charlotte. 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. She also siphoned off money from the company to support her side businesses. Steeles criminal record goes as far back as 1990 when she was first charged with embezzlement. Her personal card would never be rejected, Mooneyham wrote. Kevin Griffin is the city of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. Steele worked at TIGRA USA in Hickory from 1999 to January 2020. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Steele, who lives in Alexander County, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Charlotte on Wednesday. She didnt say a word as Channel 9 tried asking her about the embezzlement as she walked into the federal courthouse. There was a problem saving your notification. Donna Osowitt Steele was charged with embezzling $15 million from the Hickory office of TIGRA USA. Thats where the names came from.. The store was operated by Steele and her family and once had a Hickory address, according to the stores Facebook page. Email: kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com. Select this result to view Donna M Steele's phone number, address, and more. Steele joined the company in 1999 and was serving as its CEO when she was fired in January 2020. You can cancel at any time. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Please subscribe to keep reading. Her court date has not been scheduled. Carter said she is trying to locate patrons of the previous owners to try to reschedule their events. The company moved to Hickory in 2008. Seth Couch said it took weeks to get his money back. James Goewey II and Stacy Austin are the co-owners of Ellendale Farms LLC. In addition to the credit card purchases, Steele admitted to issuing and causing to be issued to herself approximately 98 checks totaling more than $2.8 million from TIGRAs bank accounts, which Steele deposited into her personal bank account. The best result we found for your search is Donna M Steele age 50s in Hickory, NC. A man was arrested on an attempted rape charge thanks to the quick action of a local businessman and his friend. The three employees pointed to signs of trouble at the company during Steeles tenure. 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. She explained to me that the mail would only confuse them and she would go through them when they left, Mooneyham wrote. There was a problem saving your notification. 2023 Cox Media Group. Steele, 52, of Taylorsville will be sentenced at a later date, Judge David. Among those arguing for a harsher sentence were employees who worked under Steele, one of whom wrote, We were all pawns in Donnas game.. A man was arrested on an attempted rape charge thanks to the quick action of a local businessman and his friend. I was just shocked because usually in a small town you hear of something that big, Heather Cox said. District court records are destroyed after three years of the case being resolved in court. The property was previously owned by Timothy and Donna Steele. She used some of the money to pay for her lavish lifestyle and family businesses. The federal government would hold any payments before they are disbursed to the defrauded party. We have a couple of sheep. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. We have chickens. Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme. Extra police have been stationed at Alexander Central High School following a phone call on Thursday. 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..
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