A former Coca-Cola employee is facing federal charges after authorities said she embezzled more than $450,000 from the company and used the money to pay for trips, jewelry and handbags.
Anne Gronek-Gibbs, 41, of Atlanta, was arraigned Monday on wire fraud charges, according to U.S. Attorney BJay Pak.
Gronek-Gibbs was a sales director with the Atlanta-based soft drink company, Pak said. While employed, she allegedly used her position to obtain personal goods and services from Coca-Cola suppliers.
“Gronek-Gibbs modified electronic versions of quotes, purchase orders and invoices from vendors which she then submitted to Coca-Cola for payment,” he said.
Pak said Gronek-Gibbs ordered luxury goods, tickets and gift cards on the company’s dime. She also made first-class travel arrangements and booked luxury hotels for personal trips with money she had stolen from Coca-Cola, Pak said.
“Employees who are trusted with access to corporate funds are not entitled to use them to enrich themselves,” Pak said. “This case is a reminder that all entities should have strong internal controls and a robust compliance program to prevent this type of fraud.”
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