Ex-Employee Indicted for Theft of Insurer’s United Way Donations

January 6, 2006

A Springfield, Illinois woman has been indicted for allegedly stealing at least $150,000, mostly in United Way donations, from her former employer, Horace Mann Insurance Company.

Gerri E. Ripka, 50, is accused of taking cash donations collected from the insurance company’s employees at United Way fundraising events. Ripka was also charged with cashing company checks and using the company credit card to purchase personal items.

Ripka had been an executive assistant at Horace Mann since 1990. Her responsibilities included coordination of the United Way campaign during the time of the thefts, from 1999 until she resigned on Nov. 15, 2004, the indictment said.

Horace Mann officials said they believed she acted alone. If convicted, Ripka could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Topics Carriers Fraud

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Latest Comments

  • January 20, 2006 at 1:09 am
    cynic says:
    I find it hard to believe that this went on for 5 years and the company never audited the checking account or the company credit card purchases. Makes one wonder about the co... read more
  • January 9, 2006 at 5:07 am
    amazed says:
    Taking money from the needy?Lots and lots of money? What a grinch.

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