A Mission resident has admitted to mail fraud and misappropriating company funds, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Elizabeth Batten, 57, served as the director of financing at McCreery Aviation in the Rio Grande Valley from 2019 to 2023. During her tenure, she diverted company funds for personal expenses using signed blank company checks meant for business purposes.
Batten concealed her actions by mailing fraudulent payments to various credit card companies across different states via the U.S. Postal Service. The investigation began after a McCreery Aviation employee noticed irregularities with company checks in late 2023, revealing that Batten had misappropriated $1.2 million.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will sentence Batten on October 7, where she could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. As part of her plea agreement, Batten has agreed to pay $1.191 million in restitution to McCreery Aviation.
Batten remains on bond until her sentencing hearing. The FBI conducted the investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuting the case.