BELLEVILLE WOMAN INDICTED ON FRAUD CHARGES

Randy G. Massey, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on March 21, 2006, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment against DARLENE SMALLWOOD, age 51, of Belleville, Illinois. The Indictment charges one (1) count of Mail Fraud, and ten (10) counts of Wire Fraud. Each count carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years' supervised release.

The Indictment alleges that DARLENE SMALLWOOD, while employed as a payroll manager for an accounting firm, embezzled more than $140,000.00 from clients' accounts. DARLENE SMALLWOODis presumed innocent of the charges until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

The Indictment follows an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin F. Burke.