White collar crimes suspect stole from program clients
White collar crimes like money laundering, embezzling, and stealing money are serious and can result in high restitution payments and long stints in jail. Depending on the amount of money stolen, and how many counts, a person could see years in jail and a federal crime on their record. A Nigerian immigrant who was honored by Westmoreland County juvenile authorities a year ago for counseling adjudicated teenagers and young adults was charged on Monday with stealing more than $26,000 from their bank accounts. A Westmoreland County Detective said authorities are looking for 32-year-old Mandu “Mike” Ikpe. A former resident of Greensburg, PA, Ikpe worked as a counselor with Alternative Living Solutions, a company that helps young people ages sixteen to twenty-one who are transitioning from the justice system to adulthood. One Ikpe’s jobs was to oversee individual bank accounts for his clients, most of whom worked part-time at stores and restaurants. It is alleged that in an affidavit of probable cause that from December 23 through July 3, Ikpe moved $26,032 that seven residents earned at their jobs to accounts in his name. The director of the program told reporters that he was “blind-sided,” but would not comment further because of the ongoing criminal investigation. Once the audit was complete and it was clear there was money missing, Ikpe agreed to meet with auditors and agency officials, but he did not show up to that meeting, He asked to reschedule a meeting on 6 July but didn’t show up to that meeting either. He has not been found since and police say his mobile phone is disconnected. Detectives are asking anyone with information to come forward. They are currently working with officials in Greensboro, North Carolina where he and his family immigrated to so that he could go to high school and college in America. If you have questions about white collar crime, call Pennsylvania white collar crimes attorney Gary Gerson for a free consultation at 412-219-6875 today.
