TULSA, OK — Amy D. Shelton, 38, was sentenced Friday to 30 months in federal prison for her role in a significant bank fraud scheme and for willfully filing false federal income tax returns, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Shelton was also ordered to pay restitution in the amounts of $870,934.67 to her former employer and $309,167 to the IRS. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell handed down the sentence, highlighting the serious nature of Shelton’s crimes.
According to court documents, Shelton began working as an account manager in 2015, where she was responsible for managing payroll, paying bills, collecting rent, and overseeing financial records. From May 2019 to November 2022, she exploited her position by writing over 150 unauthorized checks to herself, stealing more than $1.1 million.
Shelton used the stolen funds to purchase luxury items, including recreational vehicles, high-end purses, jewelry, and firearms. Additionally, she failed to report this income and falsified her tax returns to conceal the stolen money.
IRS Special Agent Christopher J. Altemus Jr. stated, “Ms. Shelton’s sentence sends a clear message that tax fraud is not a victimless crime, and the government will hold these criminals accountable for their actions.”
