Melissia Gauthreaux has been indicted on six counts of wire fraud, according to a May 4 announcement by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. If convicted, Gauthreaux could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each count.
The indictment alleges that Gauthreaux, who was the founder, president, and managing member of Accounting Resources and Management Services, LLC, used her position to steal more than $890,000 from a client between 2017 and 2021. The client is described as a public figure residing in the Middle District of Florida. Prosecutors say Gauthreaux had signatory authority over the client's bank accounts and withdrew funds without their knowledge or consent.
The United States is seeking an order of forfeiture totaling $894,274.26—the amount alleged to have been taken during the charged criminal conduct.
Officials stress that an indictment is only a formal charge; "every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty." The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer.
Further developments in this case will depend on court proceedings following these charges.
