Des Moines, IA – A man from Iowa has been sentenced to four years in federal prison after using his company’s credit card to purchase Pokémon cards and other gaming items, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.
Fraudulent Charges Over $140K
Mitch William Gross, 34, used his employer’s credit cards for personal purchases between September 2021 and October 2022. At the time, Gross was employed by Ruan Transportation Corporation.
During this period, Gross purchased a variety of items, including prepaid gift cards, Pokémon cards, and other gaming merchandise. To cover up his actions, Gross submitted falsified receipts and misrepresented the charges as legitimate business expenses on his expense reports.
The Financial Impact
In total, Gross racked up over $140,000 in fraudulent charges. As part of his sentencing, he was ordered to pay $146,590.15 in restitution to his employer, compensating for the fraudulent purchases.
Dangers of Fraud and Company Card Abuse
This case underscores the growing issue of corporate fraud and the serious consequences of misusing company resources. Employee theft and fraudulent activities like this can severely impact a company’s finances and erode trust within an organization. While technology has improved security measures, employees are still the primary line of defense in preventing fraud.
What’s Next
As per Fox9, Gross will also be required to serve three years of supervised release, after serving his prison sentence.
What do you think about this unusual case of fraud? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
