Kristin Turney of York County was just sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $1.7 million from a Charlotte-based water treatment company founded by her grandfather, according to a press release from the Justice Department.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell also ordered Turney, 54, to serve one year of supervised release and pay $1,754,204.13 in restitution, according to U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt.
Turney pleaded guilty to wire fraud on November 8, 2024. She will report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons once assigned to a facility.
Prosecutors said Turney joined the small, family-run business in 2004 after her grandfather’s death. In 2016, when her grandmother entered a care facility, she assumed more control over company finances. From 2016 to 2023, Turney exploited her position and made more than 1,000 unauthorized payments to herself.
According to court documents, Turney spent more than $1.2 million on personal expenses, including PayPal shopping sprees, mortgage and tuition payments, cash withdrawals, and travel. Her actions left the business—which employed only three people—with $145,000 in tax debt and over $350,000 owed to suppliers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
