GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Michael Mayfield, a 55-year-old former environmental manager at the Mars Wrigley factory in Flowery Branch, Georgia, has been sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding his employer of over $1.2 million.
Mayfield pleaded guilty to devising a complex scheme that involved diverting company checks, creating false invoices, and exploiting his position for personal gain.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
Mayfield’s role at Mars Wrigley involved overseeing the Health, Safety, Environmental, and Recycling Programs. He took advantage of this position by diverting checks intended for the company to his own company, WWJ Recycling. These checks, which were often rebates for recycled materials, totaled over $500,000.
In addition to diverting checks, Mayfield also collaborated with a co-conspirator to create false invoices from ASA Safety Supply, a legitimate supplier to Mars Wrigley. These invoices were used to purchase items for Mayfield’s personal use, including:
- Football supplies for the Flowery Branch High School football team
- Improvements to the Flowery Branch High School football stadium
- Tickets to a University of Georgia football game
- Gift cards
Mayfield also sent fabricated invoices from WWJ Recycling to ASA Safety Supply, which were then passed on to Mars Wrigley for payment. This elaborate scheme resulted in Mars Wrigley paying over $1.2 million for goods and services that were never rendered.
Sentencing and Restitution
U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story sentenced Mayfield to three years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,269,457.56 to Mars Wrigley.
Statements from Officials
“Mayfield devised a false invoicing scheme to betray and defraud his employer of more than $1 million,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “This sentencing sends a clear message to others that our office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold criminals accountable for stealing from employers who trust them.”
“Mayfield betrayed the trust his company had in him then used the fraudulently gained money for personal use and to try and build his reputation in the community,” said FBI Atlanta’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke. “Our agents work every day to hold criminals like Mayfield accountable for their actions.”
