Clermont Woman Charged in $3.9 Million Embezzlement Scheme

Orlando, Florida - Colleen Kieran (57, Clermont) has been charged by federal indictment with six counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Kieran faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Kieran that the United States is seeking the forfeiture of $3.9 million, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Kieran oversaw the accounting department of a business based in Seminole County. Over the course of nearly 13 years, Kieran used her position to siphon more than $3.9 million from the company's accounts into her own personal PayPal account. After taking the money, Kieran spent it on clothing, travel, entertainment, dining, consumer electronics, and entertainment media. Throughout the scheme, Kieran obtained loans in the company's name to conceal the stolen money. She also provided false information about the company's finances to her employers and the company's tax preparer.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Longwood Police Department, and the Seminole Financial Crimes Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.