Please subscribe to keep reading. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. A Hickory man charged in a fatal hit-and-run in Claremont made his first appearance in Catawba County court on Monday. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Steele sentenced to eight years in prison for embezzlement Donna Steele in Hickory, NC - Bizapedia Profile Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme Donna Osowitt Steele admitted Wednesday to embezzling more than $15 million from a company in Hickory where she was once CEO. Donna Steele lives at 1260 6th N.W. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. She is expected to formally accept the plea agreement in Charlotte, Bantavani said. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. She pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of larceny. Donna Osowitt Steele is accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory between 2013 and 2020, according to court documents. You have permission to edit this article. The three employees pointed to signs of trouble at the company during Steeles tenure. Steeles attorney, Christopher Fialko, had not responded to a request for comment on the letters as of 2 p.m. Thursday. Steele was also charged with fraudulent rental of motor vehicle in April of 1995, according to court documents. Business owner says Alexander County woman's embezzlement scheme in 1995 cost company $500,000; Donna Steele expected in court Wednesday to face charges of embezzling $15 million. You have permission to edit this article. Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million from a Hickory business over seven years. Donna Steele arrives Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Charlotte for sentencing on embezzlement charges, Steeles detractors and supporters submitted letters to the court seeking to influence the sentence. We are not a big company like this company in Hickory were just a small little family business. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The court documents state that Steele was suffering from a mental condition that was insufficient to constitute a defense but significantly reduced the defendants capability. Donna O Steele, 54 - West Jefferson, NC - Has Court or Arrest Records Eventually, the plan is for people or organizations hosting Christmas parties and other events to rent the entire venue, Goewey said. SE Hickory, NC 28602 . We didnt know what we were doing because we didnt get an email a text message a phone call or anything about what to do, Couch said. There was a problem saving your notification. Donna Osowitt Steele is accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory between 2013 and 2020, according to court documents. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Lia Bantavani with the U.S. Department of Justice said Donna Osowitt Steele has agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud. Goewey said he began working for Chick-fil-A at age 15. Steele appeared in front of a federal judge in Charlotte to learn her sentencing. The main room has a large wooden cross in the center of the back wall and is lit by chandeliers hanging from the tall ceiling. Steele spent more than $1 million on personal travel, according to court documents. The owners say the farmhouse on the property will eventually be a rental option as part of wedding packages. Anchors Landing - Lake Home. Federal court documents indicate Donna Osowitt Steele defrauded an unnamed Hickory company of $15 million through credit card charges, checks, QuickBooks transactions and wire transactions from 2013 through January 2020. 2023 Cox Media Group. The memo said she blamed the owners for financial irregularities such as lapses in health insurance coverage and late paychecks. On Jan. 12, Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million dollars from TIGRA USA in Hickory, where she was once CEO, according to court documents. She transferred more than $350,000 of embezzled money to the family company. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. This is not the first time Steele has faced criminal charges. Select this result to view Donna M Steele's phone number, address, and more. Thats kind of the plans for that. Goewey said he looked at the property when it was for sale seven or eight years ago before the Steeles bought and remodeled the cabin, farmhouse and barn. As a result of Steeles embezzlement, TIGRA USA experienced several difficulties, including vendors withholding products from the company for non-payment or late payments, customers complaining about being placed on credit holds, notwithstanding timely payments of their bills, employees having their company credit cards declined when they were trying to use them for legitimate business expenses, employees not being paid on time and employees having their insurance canceled without warning. She used some of the money to pay for her lavish lifestyle and family businesses. The filing status is listed as Admin. An employee at the Clerk of Court office in Davie County said Steele was charged with four counts of worthless simple checks and two probation violations in 1995. Well have a working farm. Employees of a tool company in Hickory condemned their former CEO Donna Steele as a manipulative liar in letters to a federal judge intended to influence sentencing in Steeles embezzlement case. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter - hickoryrecord.com Past Addresses: Hickory NC, Kannapolis NC +11 more. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website, Steele was incarcerated from Aug. 1, 1995 until June 28, 1996. Feds detail what NC CEO bought after allegedly embezzling $15M . She just got really greedy really quickly, Perkins said. TIGRA is seeking restitution in excess of $16 million. Reporter Dave Faherty went into Tigra in December and workers said there are about 10,000 employees who work there. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. We have chickens. Jack Perkins died in May 2021. Steele's Farms property purchased for $1.5 million; new owners plan to View their profile including current address, phone number 828-322-XXXX, background check reports, and property record on Whitepages, the most trusted online directory. Donna Steele, seen here in January walking to the federal courthouse to plead guilty to embezzling millions from a Hickory company, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3. ROBERT C. REED, RECORD Cayer asked Steele if she would like to say anything to the court. The documents said she used stolen money to fund an extravagant lifestyle and a personal business, Opulence by Steele, in Taylorsville. She agreed to start early repayment in March. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Steele has shown no remorse to or sentiment to what she has done to brides and their families for their special and memorable day., A wedding planner also wrote to the judge about Steele, claiming: She tried to scam my bride out of about $2,000 worth of furniture the bride had wanted to rent from a third party (Julie Vega, Wedding Planner).. They have also lived in Taylorsville, NC and Cumming, GA. Donna is related to Elliott David Osowitt and Jordan Osowitt as well as 3 additional people. From at least 2013 to January 2020 while serving as vice president and later as CEO, Steele used her position to embezzle funds from TIGRA in a number of ways, including through fraudulent company credit card purchases, company checks, Quickbooks transactions and wire transfers, according to the news release. Perkins said the company was alerted to the embezzlement when the bank informed Jack Perkins about odd activity in the account. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, 'On Patrol: Live:' Brookford police to appear on TV show again; episodes air Friday, Saturday nights, Update: 2 adults, 2 teens charged in Hickory shooting that injured 17-year-old, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. Motzer said he has since taken over as TIGRA USAs acting CEO. You have permission to edit this article. Frey said Steele does not plan to comment on the case as of Wednesday and said Steele might have a statement at a later date. . Steele used some of the money to fund a craving for luxury clothing and accessories, including spending more than $500,000 on jewelry alone and high-end purchases in New York City at stores that included Sephora and Ted Baker. You can cancel at any time. Maybe not surprised, Britt Perkins said. A Taylorsville woman who earlier this year pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million has signaled she is willing to begin making restitution payments ahead of her sentencing. The property was previously owned by Timothy and Donna Steele. According to the documents, some of the charges to company credit cards Steele made include $1 million for travel expenses on airlines and hotels for herself, her family and friends, $1 million in entertainment-related expenses and $500,000 in jewelry. She's accused of embezzling over $15 million from her employer from 2013-2020. Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million from a Hickory business over seven years. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. In 1994, she had 20 charges for worthless checks as well as two forgery charges in Forsyth. It was said in court that TIGRA is looking for more than $16 million in restitution. It will be a working farm. Cayer also said Steele cannot leave the Western District of North Carolina without the courts permission. Cayer gave her a $25,000 unsecured bond and ordered that she surrender her passport. Detailed court records of the case have since been destroyed, but a summary of the case was available at the Forsyth County Courthouse. Today, he is the owner of the Chick-fil-A restaurant on U.S. 70 in Hickory, he said. Were going to keep bees for honey, local honey. Steele fought back tears during the sentencing and turned to Motzer to apologize. Taylorsville Woman Accused Of Embezzlement - WACB 860AM A couple who works at a coffee shop and sign business down the street from some of the Steeles family businesses on Main Street in Taylorsville said they were shocked. 2 min read. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. You can cancel at any time. He paid more than $3,000, only to find out the business had suddenly closed earlier in 2022. Hickory, NC. She used some of the money to pay for her lavish lifestyle and family businesses. Were really kind of just starting to look into all the opportunities here, but thats kind of what we see, where we see it going into the future., The names, Ellendale Farms and Ellendale Events, were inspired by the location of the farm. [ALSO READ: Former high school booster . (Facebook photo) A Taylorsville woman accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer in Catawba County had been convicted in the past of embezzlement as well. Steele pleads guilty to embezzling $15 million from Hickory company Hickory fiber optic manufacturer CommScope was the victim of a ransomware attack in late March, the company confirmed in a statement Tuesday. Please subscribe to keep reading. Ellendale Events co-owner Kerrie Carter explains what she loves about the property that was formerly known as Steeles Farms. Steele, 52, is accused of embezzling $15 million from 2013 until 2020 from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory where she worked as CEO. As of 2 p.m. Thursday, no letters in support of Steele were posted in her case file. Goewey said the operation hopes to offer vacation rentals, starting with the cabin on the property. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. CHARLOTTE The former CEO of a company in Hickory who is accused of stealing more than $15 million was sentenced to eight years in prison Thursday. Steele's Farms property purchased for $1.5 million; new owners plan to use as farm, event venue. Donna Steele lives in West Jefferson, NC; previous city include Hickory NC. Federal defendant Donna Steele, right, escorted by attorney Ronald Frey gets into a vehicle at the federal courthouse in Charlotte in January after pleading guilty to embezzling more than $15 million while employed by TIGRA USA in Hickory. We were so blown away with what she did to us, Perkins said. The store was operated by Steele and her family and once had a Hickory address, according to the stores Facebook page. Steele also used stolen money to fund personal businesses run by her family, according to a court filing Friday by U.S. Attorney Dena Kings office. There is a large white barn on the property that serves as an event venue. Seeing someone come in town and do good things in town, we were all kind of excited. 34. The Brookford Police Department will be making a second appearance on the TV show On Patrol: Live this weekend. Free Tools ; Leads by Industry ; Top Profiles . Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Steele did not answer any of Channel 9s questions as she headed into the courtroom. The judge also ordered that she pay 10 percent of the restitution the day of her sentencing. Donna Steele | ZoomInfo Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle. Donna lives at 1260 6th Str NW, Hickory, NC 28601-2408. Steele also used stolen money to fund personal businesses run by her family. Steele, who is from Taylorsville, previously served as the CEO of TIGRA USA in Hickory, an American branch of a German-based tool company. Steele entered a guilty plea in January, admitting to embezzling more than $15 million from TIGRA USA, a Germany-based tool company with a location in Hickory. Steele worked there in 1994-95 when Jack Perkins was the owner. There was a problem saving your notification. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The best result we found for your search is Donna M Steele age 50s in Hickory, NC. Officials told Channel 9 none of the $15 million has been paid back. In 2000, the company founded the daughter company, Tigra USA, in West Jefferson, North Carolina. 2023 Cox Media Group. Secretary at Tigra Usa INC is presently Donna's occupation. Steele, who lives in Alexander County, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Charlotte on Wednesday. Alexander County woman expected to plead guilty in $15M - News Former CEO had embezzlement conviction in past Donna Steele, seen here in January walking to the federal courthouse to plead guilty to embezzling millions from a Hickory company, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3. She admitted diverting more than $15 million of company money, funds that were used for lavish purchases and to support her clothing company Opulence by Steele. Seth Couch said it took weeks to get his money back. A court filing on Friday, Dec. 17, also accuses Donna Osowitt Steele, of Taylorsville, North Carolina, of using stolen money to fund personal businesses run by her family. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. 2. You look at what she did to him, maybe he wouldnt have been that shocked.. Mooneyham recalled Steele ordering her to put mailed documents such as bank statements and past-due letters in Mooneyhams car while representatives from Germany visited. Tigra is a manufacturing company that makes cutting materials for tools. The farm is roughly 72 acres and was purchased by Ellendale Farms LLC for $1.5 million in January. Carter and Goewey said their desire to serve comes from decades spent in the hospitality industry. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, City worker killed in accidental fire at home, Charlotte Fire says, Another homebuyer says Keyo Tiny House didnt do the work, AA pilots picket outside Charlotte Douglas over contract negotiations, Man accused in NC deputys shooting death escapes jail, deputies say, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. After pleading guilty, Channel 9 now knows that as part of her plea agreement, Steele has agreed to pay full restitution in the embezzlement case and is liquidating her assets, according to court documents. Hickory fiber optic manufacturer CommScope was the victim of a ransomware attack in late March, the company confirmed in a statement Tuesday. The former CEO has been charged with embezzling more than $15 . Donna M Steele, age 50s, lives in Hickory, NC. Five new principals were announced during a Catawba County Board of Education meeting on Monday.
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