Woman Steals $600,000 From School
A woman is heading to federal prison after stealing over $600,000 from an alternative school in Florida where she used to work. As the head of payroll at Silver River Mentoring and Instruction in Marion County, she managed to send herself 137 extra paychecks. Prosecutors say she took advantage of her position to commit this serious crime.
'Addicted to Stealing'
During a financial review of the school's funds in April 2023, Danielle Jane Liles confessed to the school's executive director, saying, "I've been paying myself extra money," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Court documents reveal she also admitted "she had become addicted to stealing," as reported by the Miami Herald.
Court records say from Jan. 11, 2016, to April 10, 2023, Liles, 41, created a plan to steal money from Silver River Mentoring and Instruction (SRMI), an alternative school for middle and high school students. While managing the school's payroll, she issued unauthorized paychecks to herself by entering false information into the school's accounting software. Liles then received these fake paychecks through wire transfers directly to her bank account.
Sentencing
In December 2023, Liles pleaded guilty to eight counts of wire fraud, according to prosecutors. On Sept. 3, 2024, U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber sentenced Liles to one year and one day in federal prison for wire fraud. In addition to her prison time, Liles must pay the school back $766,553.54, the total amount she cost the school, according to prosecutors. She must also forfeit $616,793.43, which is the amount she earned after regular paycheck deductions, according to prosecutors.
Liles's confession to stealing money from Silver River Mentoring and Instruction reveals a troubling case of betrayal. Her actions not only harmed the school's finances but also let down the students who rely on the support and resources it provides. As the legal consequences unfold, Liles's case serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life.
References: Woman 'Addicted to Stealing' Stole $600,000 From School, Feds Say | Marion County Woman Sentenced to Prison for $600,000 Payroll Theft From Alternative School
