Michele Devine, 50, of Waterford, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with the embezzlement of nearly $400,000 from the Southeastern Regional Action Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. (SERAC). Devine served as the executive director of SERAC, a non-profit organization that provides substance abuse, problem gambling, and mental health services, until July 2022.
According to court documents, Devine misused SERAC funds for personal expenses for herself and her family, including home appliances, travel, timeshare fees, and private school donations. These unauthorized expenditures began as early as 2008 and continued until her departure from SERAC.
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Devine faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for wire fraud. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 13th. She was arrested in August 2023 and is currently out on bond.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the FBI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the New London State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller. Sources and related content
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