A 49-year-old Lewes woman has been sentenced to prison for embezzling money from her employer. From February 2017 to May 2017, Hope Abram, the revenue director at Beebe Hospital in Lewes, requested refund checks for fictitious persons at made-up addresses.
When the checks were returned she deposited them into her own account. Abrams pleaded guilty to Theft Greater than $100,000 and was immediately sentenced to 25 years, suspended after serving 2 years in prison, followed by home confinement.
She must also pay $201,451 in restitution and has forfeited 3 automobiles and 3 motorcycles purchased with the illicit funds. Deputy Attorneys General Stephen McDonald and Michelle Whalen of the Consumer Protection Unit prosecuted the case. Detective Jonathon Moyer of the Lewes Police Department was chief investigating officer.
Original Report
Lewes – On April 23, 2018, the Lewes Police Department was notified by authorities of Beebe Healthcare of a potential internal embezzlement by one of their employees, according to Chief Thomas Spell.
Spell said through ongoing investigative measures aided by an internal forensic audit, the Lewes Police Department was able to determine that an employee identified as Hope Abram embezzled approximately $150,000 through various means.
On May 3rd, 2018 the Lewes Police Department executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence on Bay Breeze Drive in the City of Lewes and took Abram into custody. Abram has been arrested and charged with Theft over $50,000, a Class D Felony, Forgery 2nd Degree, a Class G Felony, and Falsifying Business Records, a Class A Misdemeanor.
Abram was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute and bail was set at $13,000.
Additional investigation is continuing and there is a strong potential for additional criminal charges, said Spell.