A Monroe woman is facing serious charges after Gwinnett County Police Department unveiled a scheme in which she allegedly embezzled over $400,000 from her employer. Melissa Dowd, 58, was arrested last Tuesday and is now facing a litany of legal troubles, including computer theft and forgery. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the investigation into Dowd's activities began in April following an alert from her former employer who noticed financial discrepancies.
The police report points to Dowd as having concocted a methodical approach to siphoning funds by creating false invoices and manipulating payroll records. Investigators assert she went to lengths to alter checks, redirecting payments intended for vendors to herself. This fraudulent activity was conducted across 190 instances. As reported by Atlanta News First, in addition to the forged checks, Dowd is accused of doubling her salary through unauthorized changes made in the company’s payroll software.
Beyond boosting her income, Dowd also allegedly tweaked her W-2 forms to eschew taxes on the ill-gotten gains. The extent of the alleged theft and the methodology behind it have resulted in multiple felony charges for Dowd, who is currently held in Gwinnett County Jail. The authorities have indicated that their probe into the case is far from over.
The Gwinnett County Police Department continues to urge the community for assistance. Individuals with relevant insights into the case are encouraged to come forward. Tips can be relayed directly to GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. Alternatively, those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or through their website. Crime Stoppers is offering rewards for tips that substantially aid in the case and lead to an arrest and indictment.
