The spending habits of consumers in California who buy merchandise from QVC likely cannot compare to the spending spree that recently sent one of the television network’s executives to federal prison. The 42-year-old man entered a guilty plea on 11 counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy. On top of a 30-month prison sentence, which was issued July 10, a judge ordered him to restore $832,138.55 to his former employer.
From 2008 until his dismissal in 2013, the former QVC executive used his position as a director at the network to fraudulently maintain a lavish lifestyle, according to federal prosecutors. He created false invoices to obtain payments from his employer. Two other parties — a public relations firm and a production management company — supported his fraud by generating fake invoices.
Over a five-year period, he spent close to $1 million on first-class travel, cosmetic medical treatments, fancy restaurants, designer clothing, spa visits and upscale hotels. Evidence cited against him included records of private luxury chauffeur transportation in excess of $200,000 and $70,000 to pay off his personal loans.
When a defendant stands accused of stealing from an employer, an attorney familiar with embezzlement could develop a legal strategy. The lawyer could evaluate accusations related to misappropriating funds, allegedly false vendor accounts or other financial fraud. A defense attorney’s investigation might deflect some blame if evidence surfaces that shows the defendant was acting on orders from another person at the company. If the prosecution’s evidence appears strong, however, an attorney could explore the possibility of a plea bargain with reduced charges that potentially limits or eliminates a prison sentence.