United States of America v. Paula R. Hise

Benton, IL: Criminal defense lawyer represented defendant charged with wire fraud.



Paula R. Hise, 55, of Shawneetown, Illinois, was charged for defrauding her former employer of over

$1,500,000.00. Hise pled guilty on April 19, 2021 to an Indictment charging her with

two counts of wire fraud.



Information introduced in support of the guilty plea and sentence showed that between 2007 and

2017, Hise used her trusted position as a bookkeeper for her employer to steal funds from her

employer by obtaining an unauthorized credit card, using that credit card for personal purchases,

and then paying the balance of the credit card using her employer's business checking account. Hise

concealed her crime by creating false entries in the business' account ledgers, creating false

accounting reports, and providing false information to her employer.



"The FBI is committed to investigating those who commit financial fraud in order to

protect American citizens and businesses,” said Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. "This sentence

holds Hise accountable for the damage she caused and sends a message that fraud is a serious crime

with serious consequences.”



In addition to the 63-month term of imprisonment, Hise was also ordered to pay the United States

$200 in special assessments, and to pay a total of $1,550,379.14 in restitution to

her former employer, less any amounts received from a related civil suit. Hise was also placed

on a 3-year term of supervised release to follow her incarceration.



This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Springfield Division.

Assistant United States Attorney Casey E. A. Bloodworth prosecuted the case.



18:1343 Wire Fraud

Defendant is committed to the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons for 63 months as to Counts 1 and 2 of the Indictment. All counts shall run concurrently. Upon release from imprisonment, defendant shall be placed on Supervised Release for 3 years as to Counts 1 and 2 of the Indictment. All counts shall run concurrently. Defendant shall pay a Special Assessment of $200.00 and the Fine is WAIVED in lieu of restitution.