Tony Ream, a former credit supervisor for a major healthcare product distributor on Long Island, has admitted to a fraudulent scheme that lined his pockets with over $1.6 million of embezzled funds. Yesterday, Ream pleaded guilty to wire fraud at the federal courthouse in Central Islip according to an announcement by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.
The embezzlement was a multi-year affair, starting around October 2020 and continuing through November 2024. Ream managed to divert customer refunds from the healthcare company, where he was employed since 2019, to his own bank account, funding a lifestyle well beyond his means. According to a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office, United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., said, "Ream abused his authority and betrayed his employer and its customers to fund his own lavish lifestyle." He went on to detail how the embezzled funds were splurged on Ream's wedding, globetrotting excursions, and a restaurant venture that never took off.
The investigation, detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office, exposed the complexities of Ream's activities within the Melville, New York-based company. Whenever Ream moved the stolen funds, he disguised the transactions as customer refunds to conceal his actions. Additionally, Ream manipulated his subordinates into unknowingly assisting his fraudulent scheme, enabling the theft to continue for years.
At sentencing, Ream could receive up to 20 years in prison for his offenses. During the hearing before United States District Judge Sanket J. Bulsara, Ream admitted guilt and committed to making full restitution to the company. Assistant United States Attorney Charles P. Kelly and Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder, who are leading the government’s case.
