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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Arlene Tranchina, age 55, of LaPlace, pleaded guilty to one-count of wire fraud today before United States District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

According to court records, Tranchina was employed as the office manager for a company located in Reserve, Louisiana. From 2017 to October of 2019, she embezzled approximately $234,000 from her employer by making over ninety (90) checks for company expenses payable to herself or cash.  In addition, Tranchina also used a company credit card without authorization to make over $70,000 in purchases.

Sentencing is set for November 16, 2021, before United States District Court Judge Vitter. At that time, Tranchina faces a sentence of up to twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim, and up to three (3) years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service, along with assistance from the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.