Tags: Former NH Woman Admits to Payroll Fraud, Stealing Over $168K from Bedford Women’s Care
A former New Hampshire resident has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after manipulating payroll records to steal from her employer, Bedford Women’s Care Associates (BWCA), U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announced.
Elizabeth Morse, 55, now living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, admitted in federal court to defrauding the Bedford-based medical practice, where she had been a longtime employee.
Exploiting Trust for Personal Gain
According to court records, Morse served as BWCA’s office manager beginning in 2020, overseeing payroll through a third-party service provider. She abused her position by fraudulently increasing her own pay rate, siphoning $168,366.66 over three years before the medical group ultimately shut down in early 2023.
Morse now faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine under federal sentencing guidelines. As part of her plea agreement, she has agreed to pay full restitution for the stolen funds.
This case highlights how workplace fraud can devastate small businesses, especially in the healthcare sector. Stay tuned to Naked Fraud for updates as Morse awaits sentencing.
The ol’ “steal from a women’s care facility” scheme—because if you’re going to commit fraud, why not make sure it’s as morally repugnant as possible? Nothing says financial genius like skimming $168K from an organization actually trying to help people.
I’d love to hear the justification on this one. “It was just sitting there, waiting to be embezzled!” Maybe try that defense in court and see how it goes. Meanwhile, the facility probably had to scramble to cover the missing funds while this fraudster was out buying… what? A slightly nicer car? A vacation? Hope it was worth the eventual perp walk.
At this point, I almost respect the audacity. But nah, just kidding—lock her up and let’s hope payroll fraud isn’t the career path she chooses next time.
Why do people steal from the hand that feeds them?
Wow, imagine working somewhere for years and deciding the best way to show appreciation is by looting the payroll—was embezzling cheaper than therapy or just more exciting?
I guess she took the saying well “live free or die” to heart. Well lets see how well she’ll be free in jail.
Well, isn’t this a heartwarming tale of trust and betrayal? Elizabeth Morse, once the trusted office manager at Bedford Women’s Care Associates in New Hampshire, decided that her paycheck needed a little ‘enhancement.’ Over three years, she clandestinely adjusted her salary through the payroll system, pocketing an extra $168,366. Her actions contributed to the closure of the medical practice in early 2023, impacting patients and staff alike .
This case is both disheartening and a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our systems. A former New Hampshire woman admitted to embezzling over $168,000 through payroll fraud from a women’s care facility. It’s particularly upsetting given that the funds were meant to support essential services for women in need.
This incident underscores the critical importance of implementing robust financial controls and oversight mechanisms in organizations, especially those providing vital community services. Regular audits, transparent accounting practices, and checks and balances are not just bureaucratic necessities—they’re essential safeguards against such breaches of trust.
It’s also a poignant reminder that fraud can occur in any setting, and often, it’s the most vulnerable who suffer the consequences. Ensuring that organizations have the resources and knowledge to protect themselves is paramount.
Let’s hope this case leads to increased awareness and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.