PORTLAND (AP) – A Biddeford couple who pleaded guilty to charges linked to the embezzlement of hundreds of thousands of dollars from a fuel delivery company were sentenced to prison on Monday.
Johanne Elie, 49, was given a 37-month sentence for wire fraud and tax evasion, while her husband, Ricky Elie, 41, was sentenced to 18 months for tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Paula Silsby said. Each faces three years of supervised release after getting out of prison.
Prosecutors say the Elies spent more than $195,000 of the stolen money on jewelry, recreational vehicles, boats, vacations, motorcycles, bicycles, art and sporting events and memorabilia.
Johanne Elie had worked for Provencher Fuels since 1990, and worked as the treasurer and office manager during the time of the embezzlement between 2000 and 2005. Her husband was employed as assistant office manager until 2005.
The Elies must pay $395,000 in restitution to Provencher Fuels and $49,683 to the IRS.
Internal Revenue Service.
The investigation was conducted by the IRS, Criminal Investigation Division, Biddeford Police Department and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
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