A Missouri woman has admitted to embezzling at least $3.8 million from her employer with assistance from co-conspirators in China. Bridget Thebeau, 45, of St. Charles County, pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud in U.S. District Court.
Thebeau confessed to embezzling funds from her employer between January 2015 and March 2024 through over 200 fraudulent purchase orders. She collaborated with some of the company's suppliers in China, arranging for payments for unnecessary and undelivered products. In return, her Chinese associates shared the scam's proceeds with her.
To conceal her actions, Thebeau used fake shipping labels and bills of lading issued by the suppliers in China, along with fraudulent invoices she claimed were sent to customers. She also provided false information to the company's owner and accountants.
Her actions resulted in fraudulent payments totaling at least $3,821,152 to the suppliers based in China. Her co-conspirators subsequently wired more than $2 million back to her.
Employed by the family-owned company since 2002, Thebeau's crime has caused significant financial difficulties for the company's owner, who can no longer retire due to the embezzlement.
The sentencing is set for September 11, 2025. Wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 or both.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service and Chesterfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf is handling the prosecution.
