May 08, 2008

BISHOP BANKER ARRESTED FOR EMBEZZLING MORE THAN $750,000 FROM WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK

FRESNO, Calif.—United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that JO ANN BARBA, 42, of Bishop, Calif., has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank embezzlement on March 27, 2008. She was arrested on the charges May 5, 2008.

This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the FBI.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Mark J. McKeon, who is prosecuting the case, the indictment alleges that BARBA was a Personal Financial Representative at Washington Mutual Bank in Bishop, Calif. The indictment alleges that from December 2005 to April 2007, BARBA stole money from the accounts of customers that she serviced, including from elderly customers, and as a result of such conduct embezzled approximately $786,000.

The maximum penalty for embezzlement by bank officer is 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables and any applicable statutory sentencing factors.

She had her initial appearance on May 6, and was released on her own recognizance. Her next court date is May 16, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge O’Neill. The charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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For more information on federal criminal defense law, contact the Law Offices of Joseph Shemaria of Los Angeles, California.