Former Mukilteo flooring company bookkeeper, Jodi Hamrick, was sentenced to three years in prison today for her role in embezzling over $400,000 from the company with the help of co-owner David M. Gluth. The sentencing took place in the U.S. District Court in Seattle, where Hamrick faced charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy.
U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones condemned Hamrick’s actions, stating that she had a pattern of defrauding employers for personal gain and was motivated by greed. Prosecutors revealed that between 2011 and 2016, Hamrick and Gluth used company funds to pay for personal expenses, leading to the bankruptcy of the flooring company and leaving a silent partner with significant debt.
Evidence presented in the case included Skype messages between Hamrick and Gluth detailing their fraudulent activities, such as false loans, forged documents, secret bank accounts, and altered records. Gluth, who pleaded guilty in January 2021, was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay $325,000 in restitution.
Judge Jones emphasized the seriousness of Hamrick’s actions and highlighted her previous theft from an earlier employer, which went unpunished. He stated, “You didn’t learn from it, you used it as an opportunity to get an advanced degree in theft.” Hamrick’s restitution amount will be determined at a hearing scheduled for June 21.
The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of financial fraud and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions in defrauding businesses and partners.