Even though an indictment only contains charges and the accused is innocent until proven guilty, accusations have the potential to harm the reputation someone has spent years building up. Accusations can affect employment opportunities, child custody determinations and even personal relationships. However, it is also important to remember that these accusations are just that-it is up to the government to prove these charges and it is possible for a strong defense to undermine many aspects of the government's case.
According to a recent indictment, an ex Delta Air Lines Inc. employee and his accomplice were accused of defrauding Delta Air Lines for over $20 million. The indictment alleges that the two defrauded the Atlanta based company through a false invoicing scheme between the years of 2004 and 2013.
An employee of Delta since 1979, the 57-year-old accused allegedly submitted false invoices to Delta, and after the merger, Northwest, on behalf of a company supposedly owned by his 62-year-old accomplice. The invoices were for services and goods that were allegedly not rendered by the company and the two supposedly were aware of this. The former employee is accused of approving the fraudulent invoices in return for a monetary reimbursement.
The two face 96 counts of mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
Even though the fraud charges may seem daunting, Atlanta residents should remember their legal rights, including their right to a trial. In order to be found guilty of fraud charges, the prosecution must prove the accused's intent to defraud the other party and an experienced fraud attorney may be able to help the accused fight these charges.
Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle, "Ex-Delta employee, accomplice indicted in $22M false invoicing scheme," June 27, 2014