Michael Mayfield, a former environmental manager at the Mars Wrigley factory in Flowery Branch, Georgia, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for his role in a massive fraud scheme. Mayfield was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,269,457.56 to the company.
As part of his duties overseeing Mars Wrigley’s Health, Safety, Environmental, and Recycling Programs, Mayfield diverted more than $500,000 in recycling rebate checks to his own company, WWJ Recycling, without the company’s knowledge. The funds were used for personal expenses, including extravagant hunting trips costing over $100,000, an $80,000 donation to his church, and over $200,000 in personal checks.
In addition to the fraudulent recycling rebates, Mayfield conspired with an individual to submit false invoices to Mars Wrigley from ASA Safety Supply. These invoices, totaling more than $199,000, were for work that was never performed and were used to purchase items like football equipment for Flowery Branch High School, stadium upgrades, University of Georgia game tickets, and gift cards.
Mayfield also submitted invoices from WWJ Recycling to ASA Safety Supply, amounting to more than $750,000. The fraudulent activities took place between December 2016 and 2022, causing a total loss to Mars Wrigley of over $1.2 million.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan remarked that the sentencing should serve as a clear message about the commitment to hold those who exploit trust for personal gain accountable.
