A former employee of a real estate firm in Columbus has received a prison sentence for misappropriating company funds to settle personal debts. Lauren Eldridge, aged 38 from Pine Mountain, was convicted on multiple counts of wire fraud and sentenced to two years and three months in jail, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, she must repay $453,876.64 to the agency. Eldridge admitted her actions during a court hearing in January and confessed that over several years, she had used her position as bookkeeper and office manager at Keller Williams Realty River Cities to siphon off money for her own use.

In October 2022, discrepancies were noticed by representatives of the real estate agency, leading to an investigation. It was revealed that Eldridge had transferred significant amounts from the company’s accounts into her personal American Express account. The fraudulent transactions occurred monthly between January 2017 and September 2022, totaling $453,876.68. Initially questioned about these transfers, Eldridge provided no satisfactory explanation and resigned shortly thereafter.

Eldridge eventually admitted in December 2022 to using the stolen funds primarily to cover her credit card balance, which she accumulated after charging $30,000 for home repairs. She claimed she initially intended to return the money but failed to do so over time. Law enforcement became involved in January 2023 following reports from the agency, resulting in a thorough review of all financial records.

Commenting on the case, FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown stated that Eldridge treated the company's finances like her personal ATM for years. Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker emphasized the broader impact of such crimes, noting that theft by employees not only leads to legal consequences but also negatively affects businesses, their clients, and communities. The Middle District of Georgia remains committed to prosecuting cases of fraud and theft rigorously.

The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in professional roles and highlights the potential repercussions of financial misconduct. This case underscores the necessity for vigilance in monitoring corporate accounts and ensuring accountability among employees entrusted with financial responsibilities.