Woman Sentenced to Prison for Seven Years of Wire Fraud in Maine

A 64-year-old woman was sentenced to one year in prison for two counts of wire fraud and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return.

$536,352 in Restitution and More than $70,000 to the IRS

Christine Bangs from Buxton was also ordered to pay $536,352.33 in restitution to her victim and $70,323 to the IRS for taxes on the income derived from the fraud that she failed to report.

Over $105,000 Seized from Woman’s Bank

Bangs was also ordered to forfeit any property which was derived from the proceeds of her crime, including $105,009.53 seized from a bank account in her name.

Accessed Company's Credit Card, Bank Accounts and Payroll

Court records said Bangs “used her professional position as operations manager and access to her employer’s credit card, bank accounts and payroll for her own personal gain.”

Corporate Credit Card used to Purchase Entertainment

She used a corporate credit card and made $197,936 in personal purchases, including $12,414.96 for tickets to a New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys game. She spent $176,000 on entertainment including tickets and dining.

Illegal Wire Transfers

Bangs also stole an additional $255,645 from the victim by making approximately 213 wire transfers over the 7+ years.

Omitted Info on Tax Returns

Bangs omitted $183,386 in income when filing her personal tax return in 2020.

• MORE NEWS: Man Arrested for Drug Trafficking in Aroostook County

U.S. Attorney said Victim is not Identified

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said it does not identify victims of crime and is therefore not identifying Bangs’ former employer.

FBI and IRS Investigated

The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.

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