Sentence for Embezzlement of $4.6 Million from Employer
A Westport resident, 31-year-old Dylan Meissner, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for embezzling $4.6 million from his employer, the cryptocurrency research firm Delphi Digital, according to the Department of Justice.
Abuse of Trust
Meissner, a former vice president of finance at Delphi Digital, had exploited the company’s trust and abused the trust placed in him as a friend and team member, according to statements previously made by the company’s co-founder and CEO, Anil Lulla.
Modus Operandi
Court documents reveal that Meissner began misappropriating company funds in October 2021 by gaining access to the company’s cryptocurrency wallets and bank accounts. He continued his fraudulent activities until his termination in November 2022.
Meissner redirected payments meant for Delphi Digital into cryptocurrency wallets under his control, falsified records to conceal his actions, and manipulated vendor payments to benefit himself while providing false explanations for delayed employee bonuses.
Sentencing and Restitution
U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea sentenced Meissner to 49 months in prison and two years of supervised release, along with a restitution order of $4,633,424.99. Prosecutors argued for a longer sentence due to the severity and sustained nature of Meissner’s fraudulent activities.
Despite his defense team’s plea for leniency based on struggles with substance abuse, Meissner remains free on a $100,000 bond until he reports to prison in February 2025.
Source : ctnewsjunkie.com