Prosecutors said Steele used company credit cards, checks and wire transfers to steal company funds. Oliver's Landing New Build. On Jan. 12, Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million dollars from TIGRA USA in Hickory, where she was once CEO . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Steele, 52, of Taylorsville will be sentenced at a later date, Judge David. 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. I think that we have some families in the community who are really interested in educating, teaching, Goewey said. Goewey said he began working for Chick-fil-A at age 15. You have permission to edit this article. In 1994, she had 20 charges for worthless checks as well as two forgery charges in Forsyth. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Jack Perkins died in May 2021. She used some of the money to pay for her lavish lifestyle and family businesses. Even a billboard with the Steele name on it is now available after her wedding venue down the road was sold. Steele faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She was ordered to pay $270,131.89 in restitution. A judge will decide the total restitution. Maybe not surprised, Britt Perkins said. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. He admits it was a difficult time for his bride-to-be. 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. Weve looked at several properties. Bernd Motzer, the owner Tigra, spoke at the sentencing, noting the company almost went under due to the accused actions of Steele. 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. Before Donna Osowitt Steele was charged with embezzling $15 million from TIGRA USA in Hickory, she pleaded guilty to embezzling from a family business in Winston-Salem in 1995. Steele was released on bond following the court hearing, and she left the courthouse with her attorney. 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. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. She was up most of the night, crying, stressing out about it, because this is one of the best days of her life, he said. That girl, shes evil, Britt Perkins said. Neither Steeles attorney nor a federal prosecutor involved in the case had returned a call asking for more details on the prepayment as of noon on Thursday. You can cancel at any time. The filing status is listed as Admin. Steele is undergoing treatment for her mental health problems, according to a letter from a therapist. High quality craftsmanship, wonderful . The Brookford Police Department will be making a second appearance on the TV show On Patrol: Live this weekend. When credit card companies reached out to Steele about suspicious transactions, she would respond saying the transactions were approved, the documents 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. We have a couple of sheep. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Steele joined the company in 1999 and was serving as its CEO when she was fired in January 2020. He said after several phone calls, he was able to get his money back, but the new property owner, Kerrie Carter, told Channel 9 that Steele has not reimbursed all of the brides. She is expected to formally accept the plea agreement in Charlotte, Bantavani said. 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. Being in this room, Im picturing a bride standing there saying their vows, Carter said. In 1993, she faced eight worthless check charges in Forsyth County, according to the county court records. 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. Donna Osowitt Steele admitted Wednesday to embezzling more than $15 million from a company in Hickory where she was once CEO. This week, Judge Kenneth Bell signed off on an agreement between Donna Steele and federal prosecutors for early prepayment. You have permission to edit this article. Please subscribe to keep reading. She used some of the money to pay for her lavish lifestyle and family businesses. A Taylorsville woman has been charged with a wire fraud embezzlement scheme. The judge could also consider that in the 1990s, Steele was jailed for her role in another embezzlement case where she was accused of stealing half a million dollars from a family-owned business near Winston-Salem. 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. Please subscribe to keep reading. The first event Carter has on the books is scheduled for April. But prosecutors said its a subsidiary of a foreign corporation and makes carbide products used in saw blades for the woodworking industry. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Were really kind of just starting to look into all the opportunities here, but thats kind of what we see, where we see it going into the future., The names, Ellendale Farms and Ellendale Events, were inspired by the location of the farm. She didnt say a word as Channel 9 tried asking her about the embezzlement as she walked into the federal courthouse. [ALSO READ: Former high school booster club treasurer accused of embezzlement]. 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. (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. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. 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 is currently awaiting sentencing. The best result we found for your search is Donna M Steele age 50s in Hickory, NC. Online court records dont list an attorney for her or a date for an initial court appearance. A Hickory man charged in a fatal hit-and-run in Claremont made his first appearance in Catawba County court on Monday. She just got really greedy really quickly, Perkins said. I think this type of lifestyle is a lost art. NC 28681 (828) 632-4621 . 1100 11th Ave. Blvd. {{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'. 2023 Cox Media Group. Chapman wrote that Steele created an atmosphere of fear and instability within the workplace and hired all of her staff as young, impressionable people and then conditioned them to fit her narrative.. Email: kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com. . Feds detail what NC CEO bought after allegedly embezzling $15M . The Brookford Police Department will be making a second appearance on the TV show On Patrol: Live this weekend. The judge also ordered that she pay 10 percent of the restitution the day of her sentencing. Steeles attorney Ronald Frey said to the judge that Steele has been cooperative with investigators. Eventually, the plan is for people or organizations hosting Christmas parties and other events to rent the entire venue, Goewey said. Seth Couch said it took weeks to get his money back. 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.. Hickory fiber optic manufacturer CommScope was the victim of a ransomware attack in late March, the company confirmed in a statement Tuesday. Donna Steele quickly understood our style and truly made our vision a reality. TIGRA is seeking restitution in excess of $16 million. This is a business registration address for Roundroom. Steele has shown no remorse to or sentiment to what she has done to brides and their families for their special and memorable day., A wedding planner also wrote to the judge about Steele, claiming: She tried to scam my bride out of about $2,000 worth of furniture the bride had wanted to rent from a third party (Julie Vega, Wedding Planner).. Donna Steele enters the federal courthouse in Charlotte to plead guilty to wire fraud on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022. I was like, Gosh, that sounds really cool. It sounds cool, Carter said. (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. Were going to keep bees for honey, local honey. Steeles attorney, Christopher Fialko, had not responded to a request for comment on the letters as of 2 p.m. Thursday. Court documents said she used the money to pay for her lavish . The store was operated by Steele and her family and once had a Hickory address, according to the stores Facebook page. A man was arrested on an attempted rape charge thanks to the quick action of a local businessman and his friend. No other details have been released at this point. The attorneys also faulted TIGRA. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Alexander County woman expected to plead guilty in $15M embezzlement case. Thats where the names came from.. Extra police have been stationed at Alexander Central High School following a phone call on Thursday. St, Hickory, NC. 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 of Hickory. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. Since Steeles 1995 embezzlement charge while employed by AdSign was a superior court case, those records were still available. 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. 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. Use (828) 322-3512 to contact Donna with caution. Kevin Griffin is the city of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. Carter spent the last 20 years as an event planner for Chick-fil-A, she said. Tigra was founded in Germany in 1983 by Harald Feld and Helge Motzer, the companys website says. 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. Federal court documents indicated Steele defrauded an unnamed Hickory company of $15 million through credit card charges, checks, QuickBooks transactions and wire transactions from 2013 through January 2020. 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. Court documents reveal Donna Steele took more than $15 million from a business in Hickory. Steele pleaded guilty to wire fraud in federal court in Charlotte. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). She also has houses in Killeen, 800 Beeler Ave, Hamlet, 177 Woodrow Run, and 6449 Rockford Dr in Fayetteville. 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. ROBERT C. REED, RECORD He shared these photos taken as Steele gave him and his fianc a tour. 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. 2023 Cox Media Group. She was ordered to surrender her passport and will be sentenced at a later date. Free Tools ; Leads by Industry ; Top Profiles . 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.. Court documents say the embezzlement was discovered after vendors began withholding products from Tigra because of nonpayment or late payments, customers complaining about being placed on credit holds, employees having their company credit cards declined, and employees not being paid on time. Federal defendant Donna Steele, right, escorted by attorney Ronald Frey arrives at the federal courthouse in Charlotte on Wednesday morning to face wire fraud charges. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. You have permission to edit this article. The phone number for Donna is (828) 322-3512 (Central Tel Co of North Carolina). 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. You can cancel at any time. TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. A Taylorsville woman, charged in a wire fraud embezzlement scheme worth millions, has accepted a plea deal. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme, 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. West Jefferson, NC. Mooneyham, Chapman and Holm described a work environment where employees were demeaned and turned against one another. 1. Donna Osowitt Steele, 53, received her sentence Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Charlotte. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Hickory fiber optic manufacturer CommScope was the victim of a ransomware attack in late March, the company confirmed in a statement Tuesday. It will be a working farm. Donna Steele lives in West Jefferson, NC; previous city include Hickory NC. 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. Shes very slick. Perkins is the current owner of AdSign Corporation in Winston-Salem. The attorneys also claimed the corporate culture at TIGRA brought out the worst in Steele. Granite Falls, NC. When credit card companies reached out to Steele about suspicious transactions, she would respond saying the transactions were approved, the documents say. It was a slap on the wrist, he said. Goewey said the operation hopes to offer vacation rentals, starting with the cabin on the property. Whether its raising two chickens, gardening or whatever. Please subscribe to keep reading. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, in a press release. (WATCH BELOW: Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement), Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement. A former Hickory CEO is set to spend eight years in federal prison for embezzling more than $15 million from the company she once headed. [ALSO READ: Former high school booster . You have permission to edit this article. Before Donna Osowitt Steele was charged with embezzling $15 million from TIGRA USA in Hickory, she pleaded guilty to embezzling from a family business in Winston-Salem in 1995. Fortunately, (AdSign) caught on to her. Steele had earlier agreed to pay restitution. Kevin Griffin is the City of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. Perkins was not satisfied with the sentence Steele received in 1995. Ellendale is a rural community in Alexander County and the community volunteer fire department sits beside the farm. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). {{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'. Hickory Daily Record city reporter Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The inside of the barn is completely white. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. He paid more than $3,000, only to find out the business had suddenly closed earlier in 2022. We build and install lighted signs.. Today, he is the owner of the Chick-fil-A restaurant on U.S. 70 in Hickory, he said. And so they went Ellendale Farms and then this ones Ellendale Events. 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 2013 through January 2020. The company is a North Carolina Domestic Business Corporation, which was filed on March 12, 2015. He has horses. The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The owners say the farmhouse on the property will eventually be a rental option as part of wedding packages. She did not produce the money, so Judge G.K. Butterfield sentenced her to serve at least 10 months in prison, according to the court documents. She was fired from the company on Jan. 28, 2020. No one had any idea where she was getting the money or how, Brandon Cox said. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Prosecutors originally asked for 70-87 months of prison time. A Taylorsville property, once home to The Nest wedding venue at Steeles Farms, has new owners. She needs to go away for a long time.. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. The documents said she used stolen money to fund an extravagant lifestyle and a personal business, Opulence by Steele, in Taylorsville. They have also lived in Cumming, GA and Winston Salem, NC. 75. (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. There was a problem saving your notification. You can cancel at any time. I remember her as being very outgoing and assertive, like she was going to get things done. Her personal card would never be rejected, Mooneyham wrote. Mooneyham also recalled Steele using her own credit card in some cases to pay for charges when the company card was declined. We are not a big company like this company in Hickory were just a small little family business. The glass doors, at the back of the main room, lead out onto a large white deck where receptions can be held. Steele used company credit cards to pay for $6 million in personal expenditures, including high-end retail store purchases, luxury hotel accommodations, event ticket purchases, expensive jewelry, family weddings and purchases related to Opulence by Steele, a luxury clothing and boutique company the defendant founded in 2013, the news release stated. The federal government would hold any payments before they are disbursed to the defrauded party. 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. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. There was a problem saving your notification. She used some of the money to pay for her lavish lifestyle and family businesses. There is a large white barn on the property that serves as an event venue. 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 of Hickory. James Goewey II and Stacy Austin are the co-owners of Ellendale Farms LLC. 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 . Kevin Griffin is the City of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. She used some of the money to pay for her lavish lifestyle and family businesses. You can cancel at any time. Her supporters said she had taken responsibility for her actions. Hickory fiber optic manufacturer CommScope was the victim of a ransomware attack in late March, the company confirmed in a statement Tuesday. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Vento of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Charlotte, is prosecuting the case. You can cancel at any time. 2.

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