Bank Theft Sentencing
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Dec 28, 2012 at 2:26 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Dec 28, 2012
A Laredo woman accused in one of the biggest local bank thefts in local history receives her sentencing in federal court.
Celina Villarreal, the 37 year old woman who plead guilty back in October of last year to defrauding Compass bank out of $8 million, is sentenced to 3 years in prison. Senior U.S. District Judge George Kazen issued the sentence on one count of bank fraud, and one count of money laundering conspiracy after she was originally indicted on 73 charges. Court records show that as a bank officer she transferred funds from customers to accounts of co-conspirators. The transactions resulted in the purchase of vehicles, such as a Ferrari, a Range Rover, other high priced vehicles, a boat, personal items, a condominium and investments in various business ventures.
Villarreal is ordered to pay back $6.9 million in restitution, and was recommended to undergo mental health counseling while incarcerated.
