Former Amazon.com Manager Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Stealing $9.4 Million
Kayricka Wortham, a former operations manager at an Amazon Warehouse in Georgia, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after being convicted of stealing over $9.4 million from the company. Wortham, along with six other individuals, was charged in connection with the theft, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern Department of Georgia.
During her time at Amazon from August 2020 to March 2022, Wortham used her position to submit fake invoices for nonexistent vendors, resulting in the company paying out millions of dollars. She also had her employees unknowingly add the fake vendor information into the system. Wortham’s partner, Brittany Hudson, as well as Demetrius Hines and Laquettia Blanchard, who worked in loss prevention and human resources respectively, were also involved in the scheme.
Hines obtained stolen personal information from JaQuan Frazier, who allegedly purchased it from Darrel J. Burgo. Both Hines and Blanchard received payment from the fraudulent proceeds. Jamar L. James, Sr., another operations manager at Amazon, was recruited by Hines and allegedly continued approving fake vendors and invoices even after Wortham left the company.
While out on bond, Wortham and Hudson attempted to open a hookah lounge in Atlanta, Georgia, with the help of CRU Franchising Company. They lied about the fraud charges against them, claiming they had been dismissed. They even forged court documents and bank statements to support their claims.
Wortham pleaded guilty to the fraud charges on November 30, 2022, and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. She will also have to pay restitution to Amazon in the amount of $9,469,731.45. Hudson, Hines, Blanchard, and Frazier have also pleaded guilty to various charges and will be sentenced at a later date.
In addition to the Amazon fraud, Hudson and James were indicted for conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. Hudson was also charged with forging the signature of a federal judge and seal of the court. Burgo was charged with conspiracy, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in the workplace. Amazon has implemented measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, and the company remains committed to ensuring the security of its operations.
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