Hickory fiber optic manufacturer CommScope was the victim of a ransomware attack in late March, the company confirmed in a statement Tuesday. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Kevin Griffin is the City of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). (WATCH BELOW: Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle), Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle. Steele would blame the pay and cash flow irregularities on the companys German owners while also isolating her fellow employees from the owners, instructing them not to communicate with the ownership and to include her in the communications with the ownership, according to the employees. Email Address: s XBCM @yahoo.com. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. We have a couple of sheep. They described health insurance coverage being cut off, company credit cards being rejected, erratic changes to the pay schedule for employees and Steeles alienation of customers as a result of demands they pay early. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. You have permission to edit this article. Donna Osowitt Steele, 53, received her sentence Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Charlotte. S. Cayer said in court. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Steele moved into these houses in September 2016, but she had previously lived at 586 Cherry Ave, West Jefferson NC 28694. In letters posted in Steeles case file this week, three current TIGRA employees who worked at the company during Steeles tenure made it clear to Judge Kenneth Bell they believe Steele deserves a harsh penalty. It was a lucky instance that we got notified by a vendor.. In 1994, she had 20 charges for worthless checks as well as two forgery charges in Forsyth. On Jan. 12, Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million dollars from TIGRA USA in Hickory, where she was once CEO . Steele, who lives in Alexander County, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Charlotte on Wednesday. This is the one, when it came available, we decided to go for it, Goewey said. The federal government would hold any payments before they are disbursed to the defrauded party. Along with the embezzlement charge in 1995, Steele has also pleaded guilty to fraud rental vehicle in Forsyth County in 1995, two counts of forgery in Forsyth County in 1994, two counts of worthless checks in Forsyth County in 1994, four counts of worthless checks in 1994 in Yadkin County, five counts of worthless checks in 1995 in Davie County, and four counts of worthless checks in 1995 in Forsyth County, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website. In addition to the prison term, Judge Kenneth Bell also ordered Steele to pay nearly $17 million in restitution, and she is required to stay on supervised release for three years following her active sentence. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Online court records dont list an attorney for her or a date for an initial court appearance. Chapman wrote that Steele created an atmosphere of fear and instability within the workplace and hired all of her staff as young, impressionable people and then conditioned them to fit her narrative.. Please subscribe to keep reading. Jack Perkins died in May 2021. . Frey said Steele does not plan to comment on the case as of Wednesday and said Steele might have a statement at a later date. An employee at the Clerk of Court office in Davie County said Steele was charged with four counts of worthless simple checks and two probation violations in 1995. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). ROBERT C. REED, RECORD You can cancel at any time. Mooneyham, Chapman and Holm described a work environment where employees were demeaned and turned against one another. We learned an unknown amount of jewelry was turned over the federal officials. Steele faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million from a Hickory business over seven years. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million from a Hickory business over seven years. Me and Stacy have been looking for a working farm for the past year and a half to two years to invest in together. Over the last couple of months, the Steele name has been removed from storefronts and other buildings. She admitted diverting more than $15 million of company money, funds that were used for lavish purchases and to support her clothing company Opulence by Steele. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Donna Steele Donna Steele enters the federal courthouse in Charlotte to plead guilty to wire fraud on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022. Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million from a Hickory business over seven years. A man was arrested on an attempted rape charge thanks to the quick action of a local businessman and his friend. Free Tools ; Leads by Industry ; Top Profiles . Steeles criminal record goes as far back as 1990 when she was first charged with embezzlement. There was a problem saving your notification. CHARLOTTE, N.C., NOV. 3, 2022 - Donna Osowitt Steele, 53, of Taylorsville, N.C., was sentenced today to eight years in prison for embezzling more than $15 million from her former employer, announced Dena J. Donna Steele, seen here in January walking to the federal courthouse to plead guilty to embezzling millions from a Hickory company, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. But prosecutors said its a subsidiary of a foreign corporation and makes carbide products used in saw blades for the woodworking industry. As of 2 p.m. Thursday, no letters in support of Steele were posted in her case file. Opulence by Steele was a high-end clothing and furniture boutique Steele founded in 2013. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website, Steele was incarcerated from Aug. 1, 1995 until June 28, 1996. Motzer was joined in the courtroom by about a dozen TIGRA employees. Mooneyham also recalled Steele using her own credit card in some cases to pay for charges when the company card was declined. The farm is roughly 72 acres and was purchased by Ellendale Farms LLC for $1.5 million in January. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. You can cancel at any time. Donna Steele lives in West Jefferson, NC; previous city include Hickory NC. The owners say the farmhouse on the property will eventually be a rental option as part of wedding packages. Assets like this wedding venue in Alexander County, where Seth Couch planned on being married in May. She added: I never questioned her about this because I trusted her and never thought there was an alternative reason for doing this. Before Donna Osowitt Steele was charged with embezzling $15 million from TIGRA USA in Hickory, she pleaded guilty to embezzling from a family business in Winston-Salem in 1995. TIGRA USA, Inc. , Vice President Mrs. Donna Steele 1106 8th ST CT SE Hickory, NC 28602, USA. Employees of a tool company in Hickory condemned their former CEO Donna Steele as a manipulative liar in letters to a federal judge intended to influence sentencing in Steeles embezzlement case. The best result we found for your search is Donna M Steele age 50s in Hickory, NC. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud in January, acknowledging she stole more than $15 million from the company. Steele admitted that, in an effort to hide the fraudulent scheme, she limited communications and interactions between the employees and owners for TIGRA and monitored communications that did occur, she convinced employees that company owners should be feared, and lied to employees about the true nature of TIGRAs financial trouble, according to the news release. He said the embezzlement nearly bankrupted the company, and that it is still stuck with millions in debt. Former Hickory CEO to be sentenced in $15M embezzlement scheme. Were really kind of just starting to look into all the opportunities here, but thats kind of what we see, where we see it going into the future., The names, Ellendale Farms and Ellendale Events, were inspired by the location of the farm. You look at what she did to him, maybe he wouldnt have been that shocked.. Donna Osowitt Steele, 53, received her sentence Thursday . Federal court documents indicated Steele defrauded an unnamed Hickory company of $15 million through credit card charges, checks, QuickBooks transactions and wire transactions from 2013 through January 2020. She agreed to start early repayment in March. You have permission to edit this article. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. A Taylorsville woman who earlier this year pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million has signaled she is willing to begin making restitution payments ahead of her sentencing. CHARLOTTE A Taylorsville woman accused of embezzling millions of dollars from her employer accepted a plea deal in federal court Wednesday morning in Charlotte. Once Steele was fired, the company no longer had inventory problems, company credit cards were not declined and there were no longer issues with employee payroll and insurance, the documents say. Phone Number: (828) 322- CGIL +14 phones. Steele also transferred more than $350,000 in embezzled money to a high-end clothing and furniture business that she operated called Opulence by Steele, according to the court filing. Thats kind of the plans for that. Goewey said he looked at the property when it was for sale seven or eight years ago before the Steeles bought and remodeled the cabin, farmhouse and barn. In pushing for a relatively lenient sentence, Steeles attorneys argued that her mental health challenges, particularly a desire to buy love as a result of an abusive childhood, contributed to her embezzlement. Kevin Griffin is the city of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. A man was arrested on an attempted rape charge thanks to the quick action of a local businessman and his friend. Steele fought back tears during the sentencing and turned to Motzer to apologize. She explained to me that the mail would only confuse them and she would go through them when they left, Mooneyham wrote. Defendant has a long history of mental problems and at present cannot assist her attorney in the preparation of her case, a motion filed with court documents on Steeles fraudulent rental of motor vehicle charge in Forsyth County reads. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Tigra was founded in Germany in 1983 by Harald Feld and Helge Motzer, the companys website says. A man was arrested on an attempted rape charge thanks to the quick action of a local businessman and his friend. A judge will decide the total restitution. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Earlier this year, Channel 9s Dave Faherty reported that Donna Steele pleaded guilty to a wire fraud embezzlement scheme that involved Tigra, a company based out . The Brookford Police Department will be making a second appearance on the TV show On Patrol: Live this weekend. The company moved to Hickory in 2008. Select this result to view Donna M Steele's phone number, address, and more. Two other letters, also critical of Steele, were submitted for the courts consideration in March. Donna Steele was charged with embezzlement while living in Winston-Salem and arrested on Sept. 6, 1990. There was a problem saving your notification. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, 'On Patrol: Live:' Brookford police to appear on TV show again; episodes air Friday, Saturday nights, Update: 2 adults, 2 teens charged in Hickory shooting that injured 17-year-old, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. She did not produce the money, so Judge G.K. Butterfield sentenced her to serve at least 10 months in prison, according to the court documents. Please subscribe to keep reading. The company that employed Steele isnt named in the court filing. Donna Osowitt Steele is accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory between 2013 and 2020, according to court documents. We grabbed lunch downtown and then took a brief stroll on the City Walk. Ellendale Events co-owner Kerrie Carter explains what she loves about the property that was formerly known as Steeles Farms. She claimed her parents were very wealthy and that was how she could afford all of the stuff she did, he said. Company president Bernd Motzer confirmed the unnamed company is TIGRA USA. . Federal defendant Donna Steele, right, escorted by attorney Ronald Frey arrives at the federal courthouse in Charlotte on Wednesday morning to face wire fraud charges. Detailed court records of the case have since been destroyed, but a summary of the case was available at the Forsyth County Courthouse. She allegedly charged approximately $255,000 for stays at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, more than $500,000 for jewelry, over $200,000 for family wedding expenses and more than $100,000 for flowers. Donna Steele, seen here in January walking to the federal courthouse to plead guilty to embezzling millions from a Hickory company, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3. A cabin on the property can be used as a vacation rental for out-of-town guests. The company almost did go under, Motzer said. Donna Steele arrives Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Charlotte for sentencing on embezzlement charges, Steeles detractors and supporters submitted letters to the court seeking to influence the sentence. 2023 Cox Media Group. Steele had earlier agreed to pay restitution. She pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of larceny. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), RELATED: Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million accepts plea deal, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, City worker killed in accidental fire at home, Charlotte Fire says, 3-year construction project on NCs Blue Ridge Parkway begins, Cornelius police officer resigns after arrest, officials say, Man accused in NC deputys shooting death escapes jail, deputies say, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. The former CEO has been charged with embezzling more than $15 million from her employer and using stolen money to pay for a lavish lifestyle, including travel, jewelry and family weddings, according to the courts. Alexander County woman expected to plead guilty in $15M embezzlement case. Her personal card would never be rejected, Mooneyham wrote. Donna O Steele, Age 54. aka Donna M Brendleosowitt, Donna M Kelley, Donna M Osowitt. Carter described the barn as shabby chic. The barn has two white brick silos near the entrance, both more than two stories tall. The Associated Press contributed to this article. Being in this room, Im picturing a bride standing there saying their vows, Carter said. (WSOC). The three employees pointed to signs of trouble at the company during Steeles tenure. Five new principals were announced during a Catawba County Board of Education meeting on Monday. Among those arguing for a harsher sentence were employees who worked under Steele, one of whom wrote, We were all pawns in Donnas game.. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Steele is accused of spending millions for weddings, trips for herself and family members, other entertainment-related expenses and more. Shes very slick. Perkins is the current owner of AdSign Corporation in Winston-Salem. When credit card companies reached out to Steele about suspicious transactions, she would respond saying the transactions were approved, the documents say. You can cancel at any time. There was a problem saving your notification. 2. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. A former Hickory CEO is set to spend eight years in federal prison for embezzling more than $15 million from the company she once headed. The attorneys also claimed the corporate culture at TIGRA brought out the worst in Steele. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. The judge could also consider that in the 1990s, Steele was jailed for her role in another embezzlement case where she was accused of stealing half a million dollars from a family-owned business near Winston-Salem. Steele was employed at the company in 1999 and was promoted to chief executive officer in 2015, federal court documents say. Select this result to view Donna M Steele's phone number, address, and more. We build and install lighted signs.. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Business owner says Alexander County woman's embezzlement scheme in 1995 cost company $500,000; Donna Steele expected in court Wednesday to face charges of embezzling $15 million. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Before Donna Osowitt Steele was charged with embezzling $15 million from TIGRA USA in Hickory, she pleaded guilty to embezzling from a family business in Winston-Salem in 1995. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 2023 Cox Media Group. Goewey said the operation hopes to offer vacation rentals, starting with the cabin on the property. During her six months with the company, Britt Perkins said Steele embezzled more than $500,000. Hickory fiber optic manufacturer CommScope was the victim of a ransomware attack in late March, the company confirmed in a statement Tuesday. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. He admits it was a difficult time for his bride-to-be. And Im thinking, Man, when the flowers and the trees and everything comes into bloom, this is just going to be a setting thats so memorable. Thats what I want to do; I want to create memories.. Steele entered a guilty plea in January, admitting to embezzling more than $15 million from TIGRA USA, a Germany-based tool company with a location in Hickory. 75. Ellendale is a rural community in Alexander County and the community volunteer fire department sits beside the farm. Donna Osowitt Steele of Taylorsville is accused of embezzling over $15 million from her employer Tigra, in Hickory, between 2013 and 2020. Anchors Landing - Lake Home. You can cancel at any time. Before Donna Osowitt Steele was charged with embezzling $15 million from TIGRA USA in Hickory, she pleaded guilty to embezzling from a family business in Winston-Salem in 1995. Steele embezzled the money from at least 2013 to January 2020 when she was fired from the company. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle, RELATED: Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million accepts plea deal, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, City worker killed in accidental fire at home, Charlotte Fire says, Another homebuyer says Keyo Tiny House didnt do the work, AA pilots picket outside Charlotte Douglas over contract negotiations, Man accused in NC deputys shooting death escapes jail, deputies say, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Goewey said he began working for Chick-fil-A at age 15. The attorneys also faulted TIGRA. The defrauded party in this case is TIGRA USA, a German-based company with a location in Hickory where Steele worked for more than 20 years and served at one time as CEO. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Email: kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com. We have chickens. A Taylorsville property, once home to The Nest wedding venue at Steeles Farms, has new owners. The Brookford Police Department will be making a second appearance on the TV show On Patrol: Live this weekend. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Federal defendant Donna Steele, right, escorted by attorney Ronald Frey gets into a vehicle at the federal courthouse in Charlotte in January after pleading guilty to embezzling more than $15 million while employed by TIGRA USA in Hickory. Defendant has had a mental breakdown and is unable to communicate with her attorney. Steele also caused 127 fraudulent and unauthorized wire transfers to be executed as Quickbooks transactions, transferring more than $4.7 million from TIGRAs bank accounts to her personal bank account. Weve looked at several properties. Seeing someone come in town and do good things in town, we were all kind of excited. You have permission to edit this article. Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme. She had been living at that address since December 2007. 1100 11th Ave. Blvd. Carter wrote to the judge handling Steeles embezzlement case saying: Ms. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Steele was hired at AdSign Corporation in October 1994 as an office manager. Steele is undergoing treatment for her mental health problems, according to a letter from a therapist. Feds detail what NC CEO bought after allegedly embezzling $15M . The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. That girl, shes evil, Britt Perkins said. Hickory Daily Record city reporter A Hickory man charged in a fatal hit-and-run in Claremont made his first appearance in Catawba County court on Monday. A former Hickory CEO is set to spend eight years in federal prison for embezzling more than $15 million from the company she once headed. This is not the first time Steele has faced criminal charges. She also siphoned off money from the company to support her side businesses. She didnt say a word as Channel 9 tried asking her about the embezzlement as she walked into the federal courthouse. Steele pleaded guilty to wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Goewey said he also wants the farm to be used as an educational tool. Carter said she was speechless the first time she came down the driveway to the barn venue. Donna Osowitt Steele was charged with embezzling $15 million from the Hickory office of TIGRA USA. [ALSO READ: Former high school booster club treasurer accused of embezzlement]. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Prosecutors said she used company credit cards, checks and wire transfers to steal company funds, transferring $350,000 to a boutique company called Opulence by Steele, a luxury clothing and boutique company she created in 2013. We didnt know what we were doing because we didnt get an email a text message a phone call or anything about what to do, Couch said. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Court docs say the money went towards her lavish lifestyle and to fund a business run by her and her family. Earlier this year, Channel 9s Dave Faherty reported that Donna Steele pleaded guilty to a wire fraud embezzlement scheme that involved Tigra, a company based out of Hickory. Carter said she is trying to locate patrons of the previous owners to try to reschedule their events. He said she used the money to purchase a house, cars, extravagant trips and a Jet Ski. West Jefferson, NC. Steele did not answer any of Channel 9s questions as she headed into the courtroom. I think this type of lifestyle is a lost art. Federal court documents indicate Donna Osowitt Steele defrauded an unnamed Hickory company of $15 million through credit card charges, checks, QuickBooks transactions and wire transactions from 2013 through January 2020.
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