Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Middle District of Louisiana

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Former Office Manager Of Baton Rouge Surgery Group Sentenced For Wire Fraud

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced today that LORRIE LYNN ROGERSON, age 57, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles for defrauding $430,490 from the Pediatric Surgery of Louisiana (“PSL”), a group of Baton Rouge physicians who specialize in surgery on children.  Rogerson was ordered to serve 12 months in prison, 12 months of supervised release following prison, restitution to the victim of $430,490, a fine of $10,000, and asset forfeiture of $394,584.  Rogerson was also ordered to repay $13,505 to the victim to reimburse the costs of investigating her offense.

PSL employed Rogerson to act as their office manager.  Rogerson was responsible for PSL’s payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and human resources.  In her role, Rogerson enjoyed access to the bank accounts of PSL for the purpose of making deposits to, and paying bills from, the PSL bank account.  Rogerson was entrusted with the authority and responsibility to manage PSL’s banking affairs.  Rogerson had access to all accounts and was familiar with PSL’s account information.

In April 2015, a review of PSL financial records discovered that Rogerson had accessed PSL’s bank account to make unauthorized withdrawals and transfers for her personal benefit.  Between May 2008 and May 2015, Rogerson caused unauthorized electronic withdrawals to be made from the PSL bank account for the purpose of paying Rogerson’s credit cards.  Rogerson also issued numerous, unauthorized PSL checks for her benefit, and mischaracterized said checks in the accounting software as business expenses. 

Rogerson embezzled funds on approximately 256 occasions during the period of May 2008 and May 2015.  In order to execute the scheme to defraud on January 5, 2015, Rogerson used internet services to divert funds from a PSL bank account for the purpose of paying her personal credit card bills.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “Today’s sentencing is yet another example of the insider threat that businesses face.  Such offenders must be held to account and should be reported to law enforcement immediately.  Our office, together with the FBI and our other federal, state, and local partners, stand ready to aggressively pursue these important matters.” 

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet stated: “This case is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to work with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute individuals who willingly violate the law in order to personally enrich themselves at the expense of others.”

This matter is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.  The investigation has been conducted by the Baton Rouge Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance provided by the victim, PSL, and their accountants, Faulk and Winkler.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney René Salomon.