Monroe woman accused of stealing $400K by submitting 190 fake invoices
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - A Monroe woman has been arrested and charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her employer, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department.
Melissa Dowd, 58, is accused of embezzling more than $400,000 by forging checks and altering payroll records over several years.
Police began investigating in April after Dowd’s former employer filed a report alleging the theft.
Investigators say Dowd submitted false invoices for vendors, then altered the checks to make herself the payee. This scheme was carried out over 190 times. Additionally, Dowd reportedly used her access to the company’s payroll system to double her salary and altered her W-2 forms to avoid paying taxes on the stolen funds.
Dowd was arrested on Dec. 17 and faces charges including computer theft, computer forgery, theft by taking, and forgery in the third degree. She is currently being held in the Gwinnett County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact Gwinnett County Police detectives at 770-513-5300. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for tips leading to arrests and indictments.