They couldnt comment on the investigation, but the companys president sent an email to Channel 9 saying, Thanks for contact us. Faherty also stopped by Steeles Home Market general store on Monday but said the doors were locked and there are for sale signs in front. Donna M Steele, age 50s, lives in Hickory, NC. Donna Steele Donna Steele enters the federal courthouse in Charlotte to plead guilty to wire fraud on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022. Steele, 52, of Taylorsville will be sentenced at a later date, Judge David. Donna Osowitt Steele, 53, received her sentence Thursday . (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). We learned an unknown amount of jewelry was turned over the federal officials. Irene Wysong Cline, Andrew Bridgeforth, and eight other persons are also associated with this address. He said after several phone calls, he was able to get his money back, but the new property owner, Kerrie Carter, told Channel 9 that Steele has not reimbursed all of the brides. The Brookford Police Department will be making a second appearance on the TV show On Patrol: Live this weekend. There is a large white barn on the property that serves as an event venue. Steeles criminal record goes as far back as 1990 when she was first charged with embezzlement. Steele also transferred more than $350,000 in embezzled money to a high-end clothing and furniture business that she operated called Opulence by Steele, according to the court filing. Email: kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com. You can cancel at any time. A Taylorsville woman who earlier this year pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million has signaled she is willing to begin making restitution payments ahead of her sentencing. She was fired from the company on Jan. 28, 2020. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. (Facebook photo) A Taylorsville woman accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer in Catawba County had been convicted in the past of embezzlement as well. You can cancel at any time. Email: kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com. Donna Steele, seen here in January walking to the federal courthouse to plead guilty to embezzling millions from a Hickory company, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3. West Jefferson, NC. Kasie Mooneyham, Kyle Chapman and Sarah Holm presented a damning portrait of Steele as a master manipulator and habitual liar who created an environment of perpetual paranoia and anxiety.. Seeing someone come in town and do good things in town, we were all kind of excited. I remember her as being very outgoing and assertive, like she was going to get things done. He admits it was a difficult time for his bride-to-be. Steele was employed at the company in 1999 and was promoted to chief executive officer in 2015, federal court documents say. Well have a working farm. The store was operated by Steele and her family and once had a Hickory address, according to the stores Facebook page. Prosecutors said Steele had a multi-faceted embezzlement scheme, using her position to make more than $6 million in personal credit card purchases, approximately 98 checks totaling more than $2.8 million, 127 QuickBooks transactions totaling more than $4.7 million; and at least 117 wire transfers totaling more than $2.2 million. Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme The attorneys also faulted TIGRA. Carter and Goewey said their desire to serve comes from decades spent in the hospitality industry. Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million from a Hickory business over seven years. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. She is expected to formally accept the plea agreement in Charlotte, Bantavani said. (WSOC). 2 min read. Granite Falls, NC. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, 'On Patrol: Live:' Brookford police to appear on TV show again; episodes air Friday, Saturday nights, Update: 2 adults, 2 teens charged in Hickory shooting that injured 17-year-old, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. Court documents showed Steele spent over half a million on jewelry alone. 1. Steele used some of the money to fund a craving for luxury clothing and accessories, including spending more than $500,000 on jewelry alone and high-end purchases in New York City at stores that included Sephora and Ted Baker. Taylorsville Woman Accused Of Embezzlement - WACB 860AM Employees of a tool company in Hickory condemned their former CEO Donna Steele as a manipulative liar in letters to a federal judge intended to influence sentencing in Steeles embezzlement case. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud in January, acknowledging she stole more than $15 million from the company. Federal court documents indicate Donna Osowitt Steele defrauded an unnamed Hickory company of $15 million through credit card charges, checks, QuickBooks transactions and wire transactions from 2013 through January 2020. You can cancel at any time. Donna Osowitt Steele. There was a problem saving your notification. Steele was hired at AdSign Corporation in October 1994 as an office manager. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. Select this result to view Donna M Steele's phone number, address, and more. 36. Business owner says Alexander County woman's embezzlement scheme in 1995 cost company $500,000; Donna Steele expected in court Wednesday to face charges of embezzling $15 million. 2. Donna Osowitt Steele of Taylorsville is accused of embezzling over $15 million from her employer Tigra, in Hickory, between 2013 and 2020. According to the documents, some of the charges to company credit cards Steele made include $1 million for travel expenses on airlines and hotels for herself, her family and friends, $1 million in entertainment-related expenses and $500,000 in jewelry. She was fired from the company on Jan. 28, 2020. She did not produce the money, so Judge G.K. Butterfield sentenced her to serve at least 10 months in prison, according to the court documents. Were going to keep bees for honey, local honey. We build and install lighted signs.. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. Please subscribe to keep reading. 1100 11th Ave. Blvd. (WATCH BELOW: Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle), Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle. Bernd Motzer confirmed the unnamed company is USA Tigra. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), RELATED: Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million accepts plea deal, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, City worker killed in accidental fire at home, Charlotte Fire says, 3-year construction project on NCs Blue Ridge Parkway begins, Cornelius police officer resigns after arrest, officials say, Man accused in NC deputys shooting death escapes jail, deputies say, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Donna Osowitt Steele is accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory between 2013 and 2020. She used some of the money to pay for her lavish lifestyle and family businesses. 2023 Cox Media Group. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. She agreed to start early repayment in March. Shes very slick. Perkins is the current owner of AdSign Corporation in Winston-Salem. She added: I never questioned her about this because I trusted her and never thought there was an alternative reason for doing this. Detailed court records of the case have since been destroyed, but a summary of the case was available at the Forsyth County Courthouse. Prosecutors originally asked for 70-87 months of prison time. Reporter Dave Faherty went into Tigra in December and workers said there are about 10,000 employees who work there. Over the last couple of months, the Steele name has been removed from storefronts and other buildings. 'We were all pawns in Donna's game:' Employees blast embezzling former CEO in letters to judge. Hickory, NC. In addition to the prison term, Judge Kenneth Bell also ordered Steele to pay nearly $17 million in restitution, and she is required to stay on supervised release for three years following her active sentence. We were all pawns in Donnas game.. Donna lives at 1260 6th Str NW, Hickory, NC 28601-2408. Her personal card would never be rejected, Mooneyham wrote. You look at what she did to him, maybe he wouldnt have been that shocked.. TIGRA is seeking restitution in excess of $16 million. A couple who works at a coffee shop and sign business down the street from some of the Steeles family businesses on Main Street in Taylorsville said they were shocked. Thats where the names came from.. During her six months with the company, Britt Perkins said Steele embezzled more than $500,000. STEELE'S CONSTRUCTION LLC - Project Photos & Reviews - Hickory, NC US Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Donna Steele in Hickory, NC - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. She also has houses in Killeen, 800 Beeler Ave, Hamlet, 177 Woodrow Run, and 6449 Rockford Dr in Fayetteville. A Taylorsville woman has been charged with a wire fraud embezzlement scheme. Cayer gave her a $25,000 unsecured bond and ordered that she surrender her passport. Court docs say the money went towards her lavish lifestyle and to fund a business run by her and her family. Steele, who is from Taylorsville, previously served as the CEO of TIGRA USA in Hickory, an American branch of a German-based tool company. Motzer said he has since taken over as TIGRA USAs acting CEO. He said she used the money to purchase a house, cars, extravagant trips and a Jet Ski. Once Steele was fired, the company no longer had inventory problems, company credit cards were not declined and there were no longer issues with employee payroll and insurance, the documents say. Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million accepts plea deal Ellendale is a rural community in Alexander County and the community volunteer fire department sits beside the farm. The entire team was a pleasure to work with. She used some of the money to pay for her lavish lifestyle and family businesses. Kevin Griffin is the city of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter - hickoryrecord.com Authorities believed she used money to also fund family businesses that were located in Alexander County, north of Hickory. Steele, 52, is accused of embezzling $15 million from 2013 until 2020 from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory where she worked as CEO. A man was arrested on an attempted rape charge thanks to the quick action of a local businessman and his friend. You have permission to edit this article. Steele's Farms property purchased for $1.5 million; new owners plan to use as farm, event venue. Steele admitted that, in an effort to hide the fraudulent scheme, she limited communications and interactions between the employees and owners for TIGRA and monitored communications that did occur, she convinced employees that company owners should be feared, and lied to employees about the true nature of TIGRAs financial trouble, according to the news release. Steele moved into these houses in September 2016, but she had previously lived at 586 Cherry Ave, West Jefferson NC 28694. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). She claimed her parents were very wealthy and that was how she could afford all of the stuff she did, he said. CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Donna Osowitt Steele, 52, of Taylorsville, N.C., appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer today and pleaded guilty to wire fraud, for embezzling more than $15 million from her former employer, announced Dena J. Steele appeared in front of a federal judge in Charlotte to learn her sentencing. Tigra is a manufacturing company that makes cutting materials for tools. She used the misappropriated funds for lavish personal purchases and a side business. Steele entered a guilty plea in January, admitting to embezzling more than $15 million from TIGRA USA, a Germany-based tool company with a location in Hickory. Extra police have been stationed at Alexander Central High School following a phone call on Thursday. We were so blown away with what she did to us, Perkins said. A former Hickory CEO is set to spend eight years in federal prison for embezzling more than $15 million from the company she once headed. Steele is undergoing treatment for her mental health problems, according to a letter from a therapist. A Hickory man charged in a fatal hit-and-run in Claremont made his first appearance in Catawba County court on Monday. After pleading guilty, Channel 9 now knows that as part of her plea agreement, Steele has agreed to pay full restitution in the embezzlement case and is liquidating her assets, according to court documents. TIGRA USA, Inc. , Vice President Mrs. Donna Steele 1106 8th ST CT SE Hickory, NC 28602, USA. She allegedly charged approximately $255,000 for stays at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, more than $500,000 for jewelry, over $200,000 for family wedding expenses and more than $100,000 for flowers. Earlier this year, Channel 9s Dave Faherty reported that Donna Steele pleaded guilty to a wire fraud embezzlement scheme that involved Tigra, a company based out of Hickory. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Donna Steele, seen here in January walking to the federal courthouse to plead guilty to embezzling millions from a Hickory company, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3. Alexander County woman expected to plead guilty in $15M embezzlement case. Past Addresses: Hickory NC, Kannapolis NC +11 more. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. From at least 2013 to January 2020 while serving as vice president and later as CEO, Steele used her position to embezzle funds from TIGRA in a number of ways, including through fraudulent company credit card purchases, company checks, Quickbooks transactions and wire transfers, according to the news release. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, 'On Patrol: Live:' Brookford police to appear on TV show again; episodes air Friday, Saturday nights, Update: 2 adults, 2 teens charged in Hickory shooting that injured 17-year-old, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Cayer asked Steele if she would like to say anything to the court. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Donna Steele arrives Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Charlotte for sentencing on embezzlement charges, Steeles detractors and supporters submitted letters to the court seeking to influence the sentence. The documents say she used stolen money to fund an extravagant lifestyle and a personal business, Opulence by Steele, in Taylorsville. Taylorsville resident Donna Osowitt Steele also illegally spent $1 million on travel, $200,000 on family weddings, $100,000 on . A barn on the property has been turned into an event venue. She admitted diverting more than $15 million of company money, funds that were used for lavish purchases and to support her clothing company Opulence by Steele. I think that we have some families in the community who are really interested in educating, teaching, Goewey said. Steele, who lives in Alexander County, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Charlotte on Wednesday. You have permission to edit this article. Former Hickory CEO Steele sentenced to 8 years in prison, ordered to pay $17 million in restitution. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. She used some of the money to pay for her lavish lifestyle and family businesses. Court documents say the embezzlement was discovered after vendors began withholding products from Tigra because of nonpayment or late payments, customers complaining about being placed on credit holds, employees having their company credit cards declined, and employees not being paid on time. The best result we found for your search is Donna M Steele age 50s in Hickory, NC. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. You have permission to edit this article. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Frey said Steele does not plan to comment on the case as of Wednesday and said Steele might have a statement at a later date. Feds detail what NC CEO bought after allegedly embezzling $15M . The filing status is listed as Admin. The company that employed Steele isnt named in the court filing. There was a problem saving your notification. On Jan. 12, Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million dollars from TIGRA USA in Hickory, where she was once CEO . Documents say Steele transferred more than $350,000 of embezzled money to the family company. Hickory, NC. The interior room of the barn where weddings and other events can be held. The company is a North Carolina Domestic Business Corporation, which was filed on March 12, 2015. Goewey said their plan is to have a working farm on the property. Donna Steele, 47, is accused of embezzling $15 million from 2013 until 2020 from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory where she worked as CEO. Two other letters, also critical of Steele, were submitted for the courts consideration in March. Steele spent more than $1 million on personal travel, according to court documents. SE Hickory, NC 28602 . 1. Steele fought back tears during the sentencing and turned to Motzer to apologize. She worked in the shipping department and was promoted over the next 20 years to various positions within the company, including chief executive officer, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. Donna Steele quickly understood our style and truly made our vision a reality. Steele is expected to appear in court on Jan. 12 to formally accept the deal. This week, Judge Kenneth Bell signed off on an agreement between Donna Steele and federal prosecutors for early prepayment. Chapman wrote that Steele created an atmosphere of fear and instability within the workplace and hired all of her staff as young, impressionable people and then conditioned them to fit her narrative.. She was up most of the night, crying, stressing out about it, because this is one of the best days of her life, he said. Earlier this year, Channel 9s Dave Faherty reported that Donna Steele pleaded guilty to a wire fraud embezzlement scheme that involved Tigra, a company based out . She didnt say a word as Channel 9 tried asking her about the embezzlement as she walked into the federal courthouse. The Brookford Police Department will be making a second appearance on the TV show On Patrol: Live this weekend. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, City worker killed in accidental fire at home, Charlotte Fire says, Another homebuyer says Keyo Tiny House didnt do the work, AA pilots picket outside Charlotte Douglas over contract negotiations, Man accused in NC deputys shooting death escapes jail, deputies say, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Steele did not answer any of Channel 9s questions as she headed into the courtroom. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Steele pleads guilty to embezzling $15 million from Hickory company; she will be sentenced at a later date. Perkins said his father started the business in 1973. A Hickory man charged in a fatal hit-and-run in Claremont made his first appearance in Catawba County court on Monday. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. Kevin Griffin is the City of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. There was a problem saving your notification. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Steele also used stolen money to fund personal businesses run by her family, according to a court filing Friday by U.S. Attorney Dena Kings office. Court documents said she used the money to pay for her lavish . She's accused of embezzling over $15 million from her employer from 2013-2020. We didnt know what we were doing because we didnt get an email a text message a phone call or anything about what to do, Couch said. Select this result to view Donna M Steele's phone number, address, and more. And so they went Ellendale Farms and then this ones Ellendale Events. 2023 Cox Media Group. Goewey said he began working for Chick-fil-A at age 15. Among those arguing for a harsher sentence were employees who worked under Steele, one of whom wrote, We were all pawns in Donnas game.. The former CEO of a company in Hickory who is accused of stealing more than $15 million was sentenced to eight years in prison Thursday. He said the embezzlement nearly bankrupted the company, and that it is still stuck with millions in debt. Carter said she is trying to locate patrons of the previous owners to try to reschedule their events. Faherty went to her home in Alexander County but was told no comment and asked to leave. Defendant has a long history of mental problems and at present cannot assist her attorney in the preparation of her case, a motion filed with court documents on Steeles fraudulent rental of motor vehicle charge in Forsyth County reads. Thats kind of the plans for that. Goewey said he looked at the property when it was for sale seven or eight years ago before the Steeles bought and remodeled the cabin, farmhouse and barn. Donna is related to Elliott David Osowitt and Jordan Osowitt as well as 3 additional people. The federal government would hold any payments before they are disbursed to the defrauded party. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. This is the one, when it came available, we decided to go for it, Goewey said. Donna O Steele, 54 - West Jefferson, NC - Has Court or Arrest Records Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement, WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), ALSO READ: Register of Deeds accused of embezzling more than $100K from Catawba County, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, City worker killed in accidental fire at home, Charlotte Fire says, 3-year construction project on NCs Blue Ridge Parkway begins, Cornelius police officer resigns after arrest, officials say, Man accused in NC deputys shooting death escapes jail, deputies say, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Donna Steele | ZoomInfo Steele also used stolen money to fund personal businesses run by her family. Carter spent the last 20 years as an event planner for Chick-fil-A, she said. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). In the past, Donna has also been known as Donna O Steele, Donna Kelley, Donna Brendle Osowitt, Donna M Brendleosowitt and Donna M Kelley. Mooneyham also recalled Steele using her own credit card in some cases to pay for charges when the company card was declined. Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million accepts plea deal. Federal court documents indicate Donna Osowitt Steele defrauded an unnamed Hickory company of $15 million through credit card charges, checks, QuickBooks transactions and wire transactions from . Standing before Bell, Steele said: I am completely broken by my actions, my choice and my past. Steele was joined in the courtroom by four rows of family and friends. Former Chief Executive Officer Pleads Guilty To Embezzling More Than CHARLOTTE The former CEO of a company in Hickory who is accused of stealing more than $15 million was sentenced to eight years in prison Thursday. Federal defendant Donna Steele, right, escorted by attorney Ronald Frey arrives at the federal courthouse in Charlotte on Wednesday morning to face wire fraud charges. The phone number for Donna is (828) 322-3512 (Central Tel Co of North Carolina). Federal court documents indicated Steele defrauded an unnamed Hickory company of $15 million through credit card charges, checks, QuickBooks transactions and wire transactions from 2013 through January 2020. Steele appeared in . A man was arrested on an attempted rape charge thanks to the quick action of a local businessman and his friend. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. She was ordered to pay $270,131.89 in restitution. Hickory Daily Record city reporter . Defendant has had a mental breakdown and is unable to communicate with her attorney. Steele worked at TIGRA USA in Hickory from 1999 to January 2020.
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