Citicorp exec pleads guilty

TAMPA — A former vice-president at Citcorp Services Inc., who enjoyed Tampa Bay Buccaneers games at company expense, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, according to a release from U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill.

Susan Emily Jones, 50, of Lutz, faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and has agreed to repay $824,301.57, the proceeds of her criminal conduct, says O'Neill.

From 2003 through 2010, as vice-president and senior business director at Citicorp Services, Jones managed its Tampa employees and operations. She convinced the employees that she was authorized to make certain company expenditures, officials say. However, she misappropriated the funds for personal use, including season tickets to the Buccaneers, credit card and prepaid debit card spending and travel, O'Neill says. 

According to the plea agreement, Jones caused the unauthorized transfer of funds by wire, bypassing the company's internal controls for business, travel, and entertainment expenses. In so doing, she misappropriated $824,301.57, O'Neill says.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachelle DesVaux Bedke is prosecuting the case.