WFYI Issues Statement on Wire Fraud Case

WFYI Public Media issued a statement today on the charges against a former employee who is accused with a co-conspirator of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges were filed by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana on September 1, 2022.

The statement reads:

In 2020, WFYI became aware of unauthorized financial transactions involving a now-former employee. Steps were immediately taken to prevent any further transactions, and the matter was reported to the appropriate authorities, leading to the court filing on September 1, 2022. WFYI maintains business insurance coverage, and therefore no financial impact on WFYI resulted.

As alleged in the charges, instead of presenting legitimate claims that arose out of WFYI’s legitimate business expenses for signature and payment, the former employee abused her position of trust, and presented fake claims and invoices for payment. In an effort to conceal the theft from WFYI and its banking institutions, the former employee and their co-conspirator agreed that the former employee would falsify invoices using versions of the co-conspirator’s name and businesses connected to them.  

WFYI is grateful for the diligence and hard work of the investigators and legal team involved in this case. The support WFYI receives from members, sponsors, donors and funders remains safe, and we are committed to being good stewards of all our sources of support. Because this is an ongoing legal matter, we are limiting our comments to this statement at this time. 

About WFYI Public Media
Since 1970, WFYI Public Media has served Central Indiana as its trusted public media provider. Its nonprofit public radio and TV stations, digital content, and community engagement activities provide trusted journalism, inspiring stories and lifelong learning to Hoosiers of all ages and walks of life. WFYI broadcasts original content, as well as PBS and NPR programs. Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media (MIPM) is the parent organization of WFYI Public Media.