St. Louis, MO: Robin Stockstrum has pleaded guilty to the embezzlement of approximately $200,000 from her former employer, Acting United States Attorney Michael W. Reap announced today.

ROBIN STOCKSTRUM, St. Charles, Missouri, admitted to embezzling approximately $200,000 from her former employer, Jim Trenary Chevrolet of Troy, Missouri.  Stockstrum appeared before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel in St. Louis.  Stockstrum waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of wire fraud.

The maximum penalties for that crime are twenty years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.  Sentencing has been set for April 9, 2010.

In her plea agreement, Stockstrum admitted to abusing her position as office manager of the dealership and embezzling funds from that business.  As the office manager of the dealership, Stockstrum was responsible for handling cash and other financial transactions.  One way Stockstrum stole money was by intercepting wire transfers of money from General Motors to the dealership.  Stockstrum would then create phony records and otherwise doctor the dealership's financial records to conceal her theft.  In addition to stealing cash, Stockstrum helped make car payments for herself and her relatives as part of the scheme.

Reap commended the work performed on the case by the U.S. Secret Service, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Albus, who is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.