The former controller of Emmis Communications Corp. pled guilty to embezzling more than $70,000 from the media company — money she allegedly transferred in unauthorized payments to her corporate credit card account.
Sylvia York, whose pleas were to wire fraud charges, agreed to pay back the money, according to an Associated Press report. She faces up to 20 years in prison when she is sentenced in October.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael W. Reap, York made thousands of dollars of unauthorized payments to the corporate credit card. She was based in St. Louis for Emmis, which has interests in broadcasting and magazines.
York used the funds to pay for extensive travel, clothing, and even utility bills with company funds, according to the indictment back in January. Altogether, she was alleged to have taken approximately $93,000 in funds from Emmis.