FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — A former finance executive at the Superior Industries plant in Fayetteville has pleaded guilty to a federal wire-fraud charge, admitting she embezzled almost $400,000 from the maker of aluminum automotive wheels.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette says Mary Benz of Bella Vista entered the plea Thursday as part of an agreement with the U.S. attorney's office under which prosecutors won't pursue other charges. Benz is free on $5,000 bond. She's awaiting sentencing, which hasn't yet been scheduled.
The plea agreement filed with the court requires Benz to pay the stolen money back.
The agreement said Benz made unauthorized payroll transfers to her accounts and overpaid herself. The theft was discovered in a June 2009 audit.
Her attorney, Jack Schisler, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.