Opulence by Steele was a high-end clothing and furniture boutique Steele founded in 2013. Donna Steele Donna Steele enters the federal courthouse in Charlotte to plead guilty to wire fraud on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022. Britt Perkins is Jacks son. It will be a working farm. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. A court filing on Friday, Dec. 17, also accuses Donna Osowitt Steele, of Taylorsville, North Carolina, of using stolen money to fund personal businesses run by her family. Steele pleaded guilty to wire fraud in federal court in Charlotte. After pleading guilty, Channel 9 now knows that as part of her plea agreement, Steele has agreed to pay full restitution in the embezzlement case and is liquidating her assets, according to court documents. Donna Steele was charged with embezzlement while living in Winston-Salem and arrested on Sept. 6, 1990. There was a problem saving your notification. . Hickory, NC. You have permission to edit this article. Granite Falls, NC. We are gratified that justice is being done, Motzer, the president of the company, said in an email. She was fired from the company on Jan. 28, 2020. He would have been floored if he heard this (the latest charges). . I think that we have some families in the community who are really interested in educating, teaching, Goewey said. A man was arrested on an attempted rape charge thanks to the quick action of a local businessman and his friend. Employees of a tool company in Hickory condemned their former CEO Donna Steele as a manipulative liar in letters to a federal judge . You have permission to edit this article. In 2000, the company founded the daughter company, Tigra USA, in West Jefferson, North Carolina. She's accused of embezzling over $15 million from her employer from 2013-2020. When credit card companies reached out to Steele about suspicious transactions, she would respond saying the transactions were approved, the documents said. Steele, 52, is accused of embezzling $15 million from 2013 until 2020 from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory where she worked as CEO. Extra police have been stationed at Alexander Central High School following a phone call on Thursday. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Vento of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Charlotte, is prosecuting the case. Perkins said his father started the business in 1973. She was fired from the company on Jan. 28, 2020. Goewey said he also wants the farm to be used as an educational tool. Fortunately, (AdSign) caught on to her. Steele pleaded guilty to wire fraud . Cayer gave her a $25,000 unsecured bond and ordered that she surrender her passport. Defendant has had a mental breakdown and is unable to communicate with her attorney. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Donna Osowitt Steele, 53, received her sentence Thursday . You have permission to edit this article. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. You can cancel at any time. Bernd Motzer confirmed the unnamed company is USA Tigra. She admitted diverting more than $15 million of company money, funds that were used for lavish purchases and to support her clothing company Opulence by Steele. The property was previously owned by Timothy and Donna Steele. Today, he is the owner of the Chick-fil-A restaurant on U.S. 70 in Hickory, he said. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. She claimed her parents were very wealthy and that was how she could afford all of the stuff she did, he said. Prosecutors said she used company credit cards, checks and wire transfers to steal company funds, transferring $350,000 to a boutique company called Opulence by Steele, a luxury clothing and boutique company she created in 2013. Use (828) 322-3512 to contact Donna with caution. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), RELATED: Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million accepts plea deal, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, City worker killed in accidental fire at home, Charlotte Fire says, 3-year construction project on NCs Blue Ridge Parkway begins, Cornelius police officer resigns after arrest, officials say, Man accused in NC deputys shooting death escapes jail, deputies say, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. (Facebook photo) A Taylorsville woman accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer in Catawba County had been convicted in the past of embezzlement as well. We are gratified that justice if being done.. Please subscribe to keep reading. Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle. He said she used the money to purchase a house, cars, extravagant trips and a Jet Ski. We were so blown away with what she did to us, Perkins said. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, 'On Patrol: Live:' Brookford police to appear on TV show again; episodes air Friday, Saturday nights, Update: 2 adults, 2 teens charged in Hickory shooting that injured 17-year-old, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. There was a problem saving your notification. Mooneyham also recalled Steele using her own credit card in some cases to pay for charges when the company card was declined. It was a slap on the wrist, he said. Before Donna Osowitt Steele was charged with embezzling $15 million from TIGRA USA in Hickory, she pleaded guilty to embezzling from a family business in Winston-Salem in 1995. Email: kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com. She was ordered to surrender her passport and will be sentenced at a later date. Whether its raising two chickens, gardening or whatever. She also had four charges for worthless checks in Yadkin County that year. Once Steele was fired, the company no longer had inventory problems, company credit cards were not declined and there were no longer issues with employee payroll and insurance, according to the documents. Phone Number: (828) 322- CGIL +14 phones. The company moved to Hickory in 2008. We were all pawns in Donnas game.. Federal defendant Donna Steele, right, escorted by attorney Ronald Frey arrives at the federal courthouse in Charlotte on Wednesday morning to face wire fraud charges. We have chickens. CHARLOTTE, N.C., NOV. 3, 2022 - Donna Osowitt Steele, 53, of Taylorsville, N.C., was sentenced today to eight years in prison for embezzling more than $15 million from her former employer, announced Dena J. The owners say the farmhouse on the property will eventually be a rental option as part of wedding packages. A Hickory man charged in a fatal hit-and-run in Claremont made his first appearance in Catawba County court on Monday. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The former CEO has been charged with embezzling more than $15 million from her employer and using stolen money to pay for a lavish lifestyle, including travel, jewelry and family weddings, according to the courts. Donna Osowitt Steele admitted Wednesday to embezzling more than $15 million from a company in Hickory where she was once CEO. According to the documents, some of the charges to company credit cards Steele made include $1 million for travel expenses on airlines and hotels for herself, her family and friends, $1 million in entertainment-related expenses and $500,000 in jewelry. They described health insurance coverage being cut off, company credit cards being rejected, erratic changes to the pay schedule for employees and Steeles alienation of customers as a result of demands they pay early. She added: I never questioned her about this because I trusted her and never thought there was an alternative reason for doing this. 75. The address on file for this person is 178 North Shore Dr, Hickory, NC 28601 in Catawba County. 2023 Cox Media Group. The interior room of the barn where weddings and other events can be held. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle, RELATED: Former NC CEO accused of embezzling $15 million accepts plea deal, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, City worker killed in accidental fire at home, Charlotte Fire says, Another homebuyer says Keyo Tiny House didnt do the work, AA pilots picket outside Charlotte Douglas over contract negotiations, Man accused in NC deputys shooting death escapes jail, deputies say, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Tigra was founded in Germany in 1983 by Harald Feld and Helge Motzer, the companys website says. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Kevin Griffin is the City of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The store was operated by Steele and her family and once had a Hickory address, according to the stores Facebook page. A Hickory man charged in a fatal hit-and-run in Claremont made his first appearance in Catawba County court on Monday. 1100 11th Ave. Blvd. A Taylorsville woman who earlier this year pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million has signaled she is willing to begin making restitution payments ahead of her sentencing. In addition to the credit card purchases, Steele admitted to issuing and causing to be issued to herself approximately 98 checks totaling more than $2.8 million from TIGRAs bank accounts, which Steele deposited into her personal bank account. CHARLOTTE The former CEO of a company in Hickory who is accused of stealing more than $15 million was sentenced to eight years in prison Thursday. Court docs say the money went towards her lavish lifestyle and to fund a business run by her and her family. Steele was released on bond following the court hearing, and she left the courthouse with her attorney. Prosecutors also wrote that Steele created a wedge between employees and the German ownership. CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Donna Osowitt Steele, 52, of Taylorsville, N.C., appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer today and pleaded guilty to wire fraud, for embezzling more than $15 million from her former employer, announced Dena J. They have also lived in Taylorsville, NC and Cumming, GA. Donna is related to Elliott David Osowitt and Jordan Osowitt as well as 3 additional people. Faherty went to her home in Alexander County but was told no comment and asked to leave. Carter and Goewey said their desire to serve comes from decades spent in the hospitality industry. She is expected to plead guilty and faces a possible sentence of 20 years in prison, Lia Bantavani with the U.S. Department of Justice said. The documents said she used stolen money to fund an extravagant lifestyle and a personal business, Opulence by Steele, in Taylorsville. Carter can be contacted at kerrie@ellendaleevents.com. Employees of a tool company in Hickory condemned their former CEO Donna Steele as a manipulative liar in letters to a federal judge intended to influence sentencing in Steeles embezzlement case. She transferred more than $350,000 of embezzled money to the family company. 2023 Cox Media Group. Steeles attorney, Christopher Fialko, had not responded to a request for comment on the letters as of 2 p.m. Thursday. A cabin on the property can be used as a vacation rental for out-of-town guests. Hickory Daily Record city reporter The best result we found for your search is Donna M Steele age 50s in Hickory, NC. 34. Hopefully karma is finally going to get her, he said. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Hickory, NC. (WATCH BELOW: Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement), Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement. According to the documents, some of the charges to company credit cards Steele made include $1 million for travel expenses on airlines and hotels for herself, her family and friends, $1 million in entertainment-related expenses and $500,000 in jewelry. And so they went Ellendale Farms and then this ones Ellendale Events. Email: kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com. Carter described the barn as shabby chic. The barn has two white brick silos near the entrance, both more than two stories tall. 1. In January, Steele sold the Taylorsville property she used for a wedding venue known as The Nest for $1.5 million. We grabbed lunch downtown and then took a brief stroll on the City Walk. (WATCH BELOW: Charlotte fraud analyst accused of stealing nearly $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds), Charlotte fraud analyst accused of stealing nearly $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. District court records are destroyed after three years of the case being resolved in court. Thats where the names came from.. There was a problem saving your notification. Steele used company credit cards to pay for $6 million in personal expenditures, including high-end retail store purchases, luxury hotel accommodations, event ticket purchases, expensive jewelry, family weddings and purchases related to Opulence by Steele, a luxury clothing and boutique company the defendant founded in 2013, the news release stated. Lia Bantavani with the U.S. Department of Justice said Donna Osowitt Steele has agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud. You can cancel at any time. She agreed to start early repayment in March. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. I remember her as being very outgoing and assertive, like she was going to get things done. James Goewey II and Stacy Austin are the co-owners of Ellendale Farms LLC. Federal defendant Donna Steele, right, escorted by attorney Ronald Frey gets into a vehicle at the federal courthouse in Charlotte in January after pleading guilty to embezzling more than $15 million while employed by TIGRA USA in Hickory. Her court date has not been scheduled. TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. The name of a woman who confessed to an embezzlement scheme worth millions is now starting to disappear across Taylorsville. Donna Steele, seen here in January walking to the federal courthouse to plead guilty to embezzling millions from a Hickory company, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3. Carter wrote to the judge handling Steele's embezzlement case saying: "Ms. Steele . Ellendale is a rural community in Alexander County and the community volunteer fire department sits beside the farm. He paid more than $3,000, only to find out the business had suddenly closed earlier in 2022. There was a problem saving your notification. The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 1. There was a problem saving your notification. Prosecutors originally asked for 70-87 months of prison time. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. West Jefferson, NC. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Court documents say the embezzlement was discovered after vendors began withholding products from TIGRA because of nonpayment or late payments, customers complaining about being placed on credit holds, employees having their company credit cards declined, and employees not being paid on time. We build and install lighted signs.. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. The farm is roughly 72 acres and was purchased by Ellendale Farms LLC for $1.5 million in January. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. She is expected to formally accept the plea agreement in Charlotte, Bantavani said. [ALSO READ: Former high school booster . Steele appeared in . The Brookford Police Department will be making a second appearance on the TV show On Patrol: Live this weekend. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. (WSOC). A Taylorsville property, once home to The Nest wedding venue at Steeles Farms, has new owners. In addition to the prison term, Judge Kenneth Bell also ordered Steele to pay nearly $17 million in restitution, and she is required to stay on supervised release for three years following her active sentence. Donna Osowitt Steele is accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory between 2013 and 2020. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/SVeD7EhyWr. (WATCH BELOW: Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle), Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle. Steeles criminal record goes as far back as 1990 when she was first charged with embezzlement. Steele faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. The judge could also consider that in the 1990s, Steele was jailed for her role in another embezzlement case where she was accused of stealing half a million dollars from a family-owned business near Winston-Salem. In pushing for a relatively lenient sentence, Steeles attorneys argued that her mental health challenges, particularly a desire to buy love as a result of an abusive childhood, contributed to her embezzlement. Two men and two teens have been charged in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. I think this type of lifestyle is a lost art. The company owners live overseas, the filing says. The phone number for Donna is (828) 322-3512 (Central Tel Co of North Carolina). Steele faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Steele appeared in front of a federal judge in Charlotte to learn her sentencing. Maybe not surprised, Britt Perkins said. I was like, Gosh, that sounds really cool. It sounds cool, Carter said. Donna Steele arrives Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Charlotte for sentencing on embezzlement charges, Steeles detractors and supporters submitted letters to the court seeking to influence the sentence. Her personal card would never be rejected, Mooneyham wrote. Five new principals were announced during a Catawba County Board of Education meeting on Monday. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. According to Forsyth County court documents, Steele embezzled money at AdSign from Oct. 10, 1994 to March 31, 1995. Chapman wrote that Steele created an atmosphere of fear and instability within the workplace and hired all of her staff as young, impressionable people and then conditioned them to fit her narrative.. Free Tools ; Leads by Industry ; Top Profiles . Donna Steele enters the federal courthouse in Charlotte to plead guilty to wire fraud on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022. Court documents said she used the money to pay for her lavish . Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million from a Hickory business over seven years. TIGRA is seeking restitution in excess of $16 million. It was a lucky instance that we got notified by a vendor.. Steele, 52, of Taylorsville will be sentenced at a later date, Judge David. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, 'On Patrol: Live:' Brookford police to appear on TV show again; episodes air Friday, Saturday nights, Update: 2 adults, 2 teens charged in Hickory shooting that injured 17-year-old, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. Carter said she was speechless the first time she came down the driveway to the barn venue. You have permission to edit this article. She also has houses in Killeen, 800 Beeler Ave, Hamlet, 177 Woodrow Run, and 6449 Rockford Dr in Fayetteville. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Authorities believed she used money to also fund family businesses that were located in Alexander County, north of Hickory. He said the embezzlement nearly bankrupted the company, and that it is still stuck with millions in debt. Current Address: IHCI 6th St NW, Hickory, NC. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Online court records dont list an attorney for her or a date for an initial court appearance. A Taylorsville woman has been charged with a wire fraud embezzlement scheme. Steele embezzled the money from at least 2013 to January 2020 when she was fired from the company. Last week, The Times reported that Donna Osowitt Steele, of Taylorsville, was named as the alleged embezzler of more than $15 million in a Bill of . Donna M Steele, age 50s, lives in Hickory, NC. Steele admitted that, in an effort to hide the fraudulent scheme, she limited communications and interactions between the employees and owners for TIGRA and monitored communications that did occur, she convinced employees that company owners should be feared, and lied to employees about the true nature of TIGRAs financial trouble, according to the news release. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Photos courtesy of LAZE L FARM PHOTOGRAPHY, Photo courtesy of LAZE L FARM PHOTOGRAPHY, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'.

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