IRMO WOMAN GUILTY OF STEALING OVER $450,000 FROM EMPLOYER

  Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Reginald I. Lloyd stated that Teresa Y. Norris, age 40, of Irmo, pled guilty today in federal court in Columbia to wire fraud. Senior United States District Judge Matthew J. Perry, Jr., accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Norris at a later date.

Evidence in court established that Norris worked in the human resources department of ISOLA USA Corporation, a Ridgeway-based manufacturer of materials used in computer circuit boards. Norris’ responsibilities included submitting payroll information to the company’s headquarters in Arizona. ISOLA would then issue checks to its employees or direct deposit money into their bank accounts. Between 2003 and 2005, Norris sent the company payroll claims for former employees, then had the money wired into her personal bank account. Through this scheme, she obtained more than $450,000.00 for her own use.

Mr. Lloyd stated the maximum penalty Norris can receive is a fine of $250,000.00 and imprisonment for 20 years. She will also be ordered to pay restitution.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office handled the case.