Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On October 2nd, Tammy Lynn Lumbard was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney to serve one year and one day in federal prison after being convicted on one count of bank embezzlement. The mother of three worked as a teller and supervisor at a Huntington Bank branch in downtown Kalamazoo.
In June, Lumbard pleaded guilty to stealing more than $108,000 from customers of the bank. According to news reports, Lumbard was making out checks on various customers’ accounts payable to “cash,” then forging their names on the checks. Her attorney asked that she not serve prison time and for the judge’s leniency because of his client’s family situation, however the judge denied that request.
However, Lumbard did receive a lesser sentence than the standard federal sentencing guidelines of 15 to 21 months in prison. Ray Kent, Lumbard’s attorney, requested that his client be placed on probation and sentenced to house arrest or community confinement. He wanted leniency for Lumbard due to alleged hardships in her life, and cited reasons including that she was the sole provider for the family. Kent said in the sentencing memorandum that Lumbard carried “guilt” because of uprooting her children, and that bills were piling up due to Lumbard being the only source of income for the family. He claimed that things got out of hand although his client intended to repay the money, and that the situation snowballed.
After being charged with embezzlement, Lumbard’s second husband forced her and the children to leave the home. Kent said that his client had saved a “sizable” chunk of money to begin repaying the money she had taken, but that her husband took the money. In addition to the one year, one day federal prison sentence, Lumbard was ordered to pay $108,630 in restitution.
The judge recommended that Lumbard be incarcerated at a facility close to her home, and that she receive a mental health evaluation and treatment while in prison.
Charges of embezzlement and/or fraud are extremely complex, and require the expertise of a skilled Michigan embezzlement defense attorney. Depending on the circumstances, those convicted may face up to 20 years in prison and substantial monetary fines/restitution.
If you have been arrested for embezzling or any offense related to financial issues, consult with a competent and aggressive Michigan criminal defense lawyer who will work to determine the best course of legal action to take on your behalf.