Hurricane woman pleads guilty to defrauding small business

Topics:  Sandra Ball, Mountaineer 4x4

U.S. Attorney’s Office
Southern District of West Virginia
2 March 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Huntington, W. Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Sandra Ball, 58, of Hurricane, West Virginia pleaded guilty to two felony counts of wire fraud. Ball was an auditor for Mountaineer 4X4, a small business in Hurricane, West Virginia that provides service and accessories for off-road vehicles. From 2008 to 2013, Ball transferred money from Mountaineer 4x4’s checking account to her personal credit card to pay for personal items and expenses. Ball made approximately 500 online transfers resulting in a loss to Mountaineer 4X4 of nearly $450,000.

Ball is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2015. She faces a total of 40 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000. As part of her plea agreement, Ball has also agreed to pay restitution of $445,164. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.

The Hurricane Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution.