Kendall, WI — A 67-year-old woman and former bank employee has been charged with embezzlement after federal prosecutors allege she stole money from deposit accounts for more than a decade.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin, Sandra Campfield of Kendall is accused of misappropriating funds from certificate of deposit accounts while employed at a bank in Elroy.
Alleged Scheme Spanned 12 Years
Investigators say the alleged embezzlement began in September 2012 and continued until December 2024. During that time, Campfield is accused of siphoning funds from customer accounts and using the money for her personal expenses.
Federal prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the charges, noting that Campfield allegedly abused her position of trust within the financial institution.
“This type of conduct undermines the confidence customers place in our banking system,” officials said in a release.
Details From Prosecutors
The indictment indicates Campfield carried out her scheme quietly, taking funds directly from certificate of deposit accounts that customers expected would remain secure. Authorities have not released the total amount of money stolen, but the case is being pursued under federal embezzlement statutes.
According to We Are Green Bay, prosecutors confirmed the money was allegedly used to cover personal spending.
Potential Penalties
If convicted, Campfield faces a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison. She may also be ordered to pay restitution and fines as determined by the court.
Embezzlement convictions can also lead to permanent restrictions on working in financial institutions, as well as long-term damage to professional reputations.
Community and Banking Concerns
Cases of long-term embezzlement raise broader questions about how such schemes can go undetected for years. Experts say that small-town banks, in particular, must regularly review internal controls to prevent fraud by trusted employees.
Common red flags of financial embezzlement include:
- Unexplained lifestyle changes or spending habits of employees.
- Missing documentation or altered records for customer accounts.
- Extended access to sensitive financial systems without oversight.
- Delayed audits or skipped review processes.
Federal authorities have not disclosed whether customers will be reimbursed in this case, though financial institutions are typically liable for restoring lost deposits.
What’s Next
Campfield’s case will proceed through federal court in Wisconsin. Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges or co-defendants may be added as the investigation continues.
Residents in Kendall and surrounding communities are watching closely, as the case raises concerns about accountability in smaller banking institutions.
What are your thoughts on this case of alleged long-term embezzlement? Share your views in the comments below.
