Texas woman indicted for defrauding Wisconsin business out of $3.4M 

A federal grand jury in Madison has indicted a Texas woman for a scheme that defrauded a Wisconsin business out of over $3.4 million between 2016–2020, the Wisconsin State Journal reports.  

The indictment against the woman, Sarah Doherty, also known as Sarah McKibbin, of Azle, Texas, includes 11 counts of wire fraud and four counts of tax evasion. 

The matter was investigated by federal authorities, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fall River Police Department. 

The indictment states that after gaining access to the business owner’s personal finances, Doherty used money stolen from the business for personal expenses, claiming to the business’ bookkeepers and outside accountant that it was used for business expenses. 

The indictment also alleges Doherty created false identities to manipulate the business owner into sending her money. It states she submitted federal tax returns for 2017–2020 that grossly underestimated her annual income as well, and, according to federal court records, she has filed for bankruptcy multiple times. 

Each count of wire fraud carries up to 20 years in prison, and each tax evasion count carries up to five years if Doherty is convicted; however, under advisory federal sentencing guidelines, maximum sentences are not likely.