Linda Tarlecki, a 63-year-old resident of Aristes in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to charges of tax evasion and bank fraud in federal court. The plea was entered before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann, according to an announcement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Tarlecki previously served as Secretary/Treasurer for Conyngham Township in Columbia County. Authorities said that between 2013 and 2017, she defrauded both the township and Fulton National Bank by issuing forged paychecks to herself totaling more than $147,000. The income from these checks was not reported on her personal tax returns, resulting in a tax loss exceeding $38,000 to the Internal Revenue Service.
The investigation into Tarlecki’s actions was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur handled the prosecution.
Federal law allows for a maximum sentence of up to 35 years in prison for these offenses, along with supervised release after imprisonment and potential fines. Sentencing will be determined by the judge based on federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
