Controller of Greenwich Private Equity Firm Admits Embezzlement Scheme

The US Attorney for Connecticut issued this announcement concerning the case involving the controller of a Greenwich private equity firm who has pleaded guilty to embezzlement charges.

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Charles Bradley Simpson, 33, of Wyckoff, NJ, pleaded guilty Wednesday before United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to one count of wire fraud stemming from his embezzlement of approximately $85,000 from his employer.    

According to court documents and statements made in court, Simpson worked as the controller for a private equity firm in Greenwich, Connecticut. In his role as controller, Simpson was responsible for overseeing the company’s payroll functions. On approximately 40 occasions between January 2008 and April 2010, Simpson accessed the company’s Internet-based payroll service provider’s computer network and added amounts to be paid to him purportedly as reimbursement for expenses when, in fact, he had never incurred those expenses. Through this scheme, Simpson embezzled approximately $85,207.55.

Judge Bryant has scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2012, at which time Simpson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, notably the United States Secret Service and the Greenwich Police Department. The Task Force also includes members of the United States Postal Inspection Service; the United States Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security; the Connecticut State Police; and the Glastonbury, Hartford, New Haven and Shelton Police Departments. [Greenwich Police Det. Mark Solomon is assigned to the Task Force and worked on this investigation.]

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Murphy.