Earlier today, Tony Ream was arraigned at the federal courthouse in Central Islip on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. The charges relate to his time as a credit supervisor at a Long Island company that distributes medical and dental supplies globally from its headquarters in Melville, New York. Ream is accused of transferring approximately $1.6 million from the company's bank account to an account he controlled over four years. Magistrate Judge Steven I. Locke presided over the arraignment.
The announcement was made by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office.
“As alleged, Ream is a thief who abused his authority and betrayed his employer to fund his lifestyle, including paying for the renovations of a restaurant he opened, footing the bill for his own wedding, and traveling around the world, all on the company’s dime,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Embezzling company funds is a serious crime and my Office will vigorously prosecute this case to ensure Ream is held accountable for his brazen scheme.”
“Tony Ream allegedly embezzled over one million dollars from his former company by diverting corporate funds to his personal account and deceiving his subordinates into perpetuating this theft,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Ream allegedly abused his position and stole from his former company to fund his extravagant expenses. The FBI remains committed to investigating any individual who orchestrates a scheme to exploit their company to finance personal wish lists.”
Court filings reveal that Ream joined the Company in 2019 as part of their credit department and began stealing corporate funds from customer refund accounts starting in 2020 when he became a credit supervisor. He reportedly misled employees under him into assisting with this fraudulent activity. The proceeds were used for various personal expenses including tens of thousands on wedding costs, hundreds of thousands on an unsuccessful restaurant venture in South Carolina, and luxury international vacations.
Ream faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted but remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case is being managed by Assistant United States Attorney Charles P. Kelly with support from Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder within the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division.
