Finance manager charged in $700K embezzlement

PALMETTO — A Palmetto woman has been charged with allegedly stealing $700,000 from her former employer, a Bradenton-based company.

Authorities charged Beverly Sue Gingell, 60, with one count of wire fraud. Gingell, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's office, was the finance manager for Pro-Link from the summer of 2010 through March 2011. During that time Gingell allegedly embezzled the funds from the company by sending money via wire transfer to her bank account, authorities contend. She also allegedly obtained money orders payable to herself and others.

Prosecutors say Gingell used one of the wire transfers to pay off the remaining mortgage balance on her home.

The case against Gingell is part of an ongoing joint investigation by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations unit and the Bradenton Police Department, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Gingell faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 if convicted of the charges. Gingell was released on a $50,000 personal surety bond after she appeared in court June 12 before federal Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Jenkins in Tampa.