A former president of a Beverly Hills-based publishing company has been convicted on counts of wire fraud for embezzling more than $1.3 million, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Kimberly Ann Miletta, 51, of Ventura, who once headed Phoenix Books used her position to fund personal luxuries at the expense of the business and its owner.
During a five-day trial, the jury heard how between 2009 and 2018, Miletta exploited her control over the company's finances to cover personal expenses such as spa treatments, designer handbags, and pet care using the company credit card, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California. These transactions which were not authorized business expenses, ballooned over the years, leading eventually to a fraudulent wire transfer of nearly $1 million from the owner’s personal bank account to pay for an ocean-view home in Ventura.
Miletta was found guilty late Monday of three counts of wire fraud but was found not guilty on two additional counts. The significant sum of $185,000 spent at clothing and department stores was among the fraudulent charges levied against her. The sentencing, scheduled for January 10, 2025, could see Miletta facing up to 20 years in federal prison for each count, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California. This outcome represents a substantial fall from grace for the former executive who once held sway over a prominent indie publisher's fortunes.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was responsible for the investigation leading to Miletta’s conviction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jenna G. Williams, of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force, and Declan T. Conroy, of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section. Meanwhile, updates and further information about the case have been forthcoming from Public Information Officer Ciaran McEvoy, contactable at [email protected] or (213) 894-4465.
