The former accountant of Michigan's Munson Healthcare who pleaded guilty to stealing more than a million dollars from the organization was sentenced last week to nearly four years (46 months) in federal prison, reports the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Susan J. Morrison in September pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and money laundering that totaled $1.1 million. She transferred the money from Munson's Regional Healthcare Foundation's bank account to her former business, Great Lakes Bear Factory, between October 2007 and April 2011. She also made up false receipt accounts to cover up the theft, reports 9&10 News.
Her attorney, Daniel Hubbell, said Morrison stole the money to make herself "more successful, more attractive" to her friends, reports the Associated Press (AP). What did she use the money for? Court documents indicate it was "for her personal enjoyment," including dozens of boxes of sports trading cards, according to the Record-Eagle article.
Morrison was sentenced on Thursday and is ordered to pay back nearly $1.17 million in restitution. In a letter to the judge, the former hospital accountant said she was "ashamed" of her conduct, reports the AP.
To spot red flags, FiercePracticeManagement previously reported on recognizing areas for improving: spotting individuals who have total control of accounts, a lack of audits, employees who never take time off, and a lack of pre-employment credit checks.
For more information:
- read the AP news brief
- read the Traverse City Record-Eagle article
- here's the 9&10 News article
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