A former bookkeeper from Georgia has been sentenced for embezzling funds from a Columbus real estate firm. Lauren Williams Eldridge, 38, of Pine Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $453,876.64 in restitution to Keller Williams Realty River Cities. U.S. District Judge Clay Land delivered the sentence on June 18 after Eldridge pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud earlier this year.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker emphasized the broader impact of such crimes: “The repercussions of employee theft are often felt beyond the prosecution, negatively affecting businesses, their customers and the community.” Booker reiterated that fraud and theft would not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia.
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown remarked on Eldridge’s actions: “For years, Eldridge used her company’s funds like her personal ATM.” He noted that she will have more than two years in prison to reflect on her conduct.
Court documents revealed that Eldridge had been an office manager and bookkeeper with Keller Williams Realty River Cities for nine years. In October 2022, discrepancies were noticed in a company account leading to an investigation where it was found that Eldridge had moved money into other accounts without authorization. After being questioned about these transfers and failing to provide a clear explanation, Eldridge resigned.
In January 2023, law enforcement was alerted and a review showed that monthly electronic payments totaling $453,876.68 were made from Keller Williams accounts to Eldridge’s personal American Express account between January 2017 and September 2022. In December 2022, Eldridge admitted to embezzling funds to pay off her credit card debt but initially intended to repay it after charging $30,000 for home repairs.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Hostetler.
