Payroll Manager Finds Multiple Ways to Bankroll Himself

Posted on May 10, 2022

Matthew Hernandez, the manager of a San Diego technology company, was found guilty of embezzling more than $350,000.

Hernandez was responsible for the company’s payroll and accounts payable, and had authority to sign checks. Between 2010 and 2017 he stole money from the company hundreds of times in multiple ways.

His scheming involved: making online payments from the firm’s business checking account to pay off his personal credit cards, using the company credit card to make personal purchases, issuing company checks directly into his bank account, and paying himself multiple times during a single pay period.

Some of the personal items he purchased with company funds included a home gym, a $3500 hot tub, a TAG Heuer racing watch, and tickets to the Coachella music festival.

Hernandez was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay $356,664.46 in restitution.