A Pleasantville woman has entered a guilty plea to the charges of wire fraud. Melissa Deann Authier was employed as a bookkeeper for a Pleasantville farmer from 2016 through 2019. She admitted to illegally transferring over $250,000 from the farmer’s bank accounts via deceptive means for personal use by Authier and her family. She used these funds for personal use, including a trip to Las Vegas, Amazon purchases, and credit card payments, among other uses.

On August 12th, 2020, an indictment was filed against Authier, and on January 21st, 2021, she appeared before a United States magistrate judge. The judge recommended that the plea be accepted, and no objections were made. Authier was originally charged with 10 counts, but nine were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. This crime carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. A judge will determine her sentence at a later date.