(July 23, 2014) Memphis, TN – Jessica Nicole Pinkerton, age 33, of Humboldt, Tennessee, pleaded guilty today
to a criminal information charging her with one count of wire fraud and one count of tax fraud,
announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee;
A. Todd McCall, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation; and Christopher A. Henry, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal
Investigation Nashville Field Office.
According to the criminal information and statements made in court, Pinkerton was employed as
a financial services manager at the University School of Jackson (USJ) from 2008 to 2014.
Beginning in late 2009 through early 2014, Pinkerton, in her capacity as financial services
manager, initiated Automatic Clearing House (ACH) transfers of USJ funds into her personal
bank account. Pinkerton also filed a 2013 IRS form 1040, stating that her earned income was
$29,321 when it actually was $195,689.71. As a part of the plea agreement filed today, Pinkerton
will owe restitution of $606,375.33 to the University School of Jackson and $143,168.37 to the
Internal Revenue Service.
“This case underscores our unwavering commitment to bring to justice those who steal from
others and brazenly line their pockets by committing white collar crimes,” said United States
Attorney Stanton. “When employees such as Jessica Pinkerton scheme to fraudulently divert
funds from employers, the United States Attorney’s Office will work with law enforcement
partners to ensure those individuals are held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the
law.”
“This plea is the result of the hard work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners in the
pursuit of those who use fraud to line their pockets with other people’s money,” said Special
Agent in Charge McCall. “It should send a signal that criminal behavior like this will not go
undetected. We will find you, catch you, and you will be held accountable for your actions.”
United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III
Western District of Tennessee“The IRS enforces the nation’s tax laws, but also takes particular interest in cases where
someone, for their own personal benefit, has taken what belonged to others,” stated Special
Agent in Charge Henry. “No matter what the source of income, all income is taxable. The
prosecution of individuals who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes is a vital element of
the IRS’ enforcement strategy. We are pleased with the successful resolution of this investigation
due to the cooperative efforts of our law enforcement partners.”
Pinkerton faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years
supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2014 at 1:15 p.m. before Chief
United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Jackson Resident Agency,
and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being
prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Victor L. Ivy on behalf of the government.
