Former Helena woman pleads guilty to bank fraud

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Feb 5, 2010 at 9:16 AM MST

Story Updated: Feb 5, 2010 at 9:16 AM MST

HELENA - A former Helena woman has pleaded guilty to wire and bank fraud for making at least $50,000 in unauthorized purchases on credit cards belonging to the business where she worked.

Kimberly Palmer, now of Gresham, Ore., entered her plea Thursday in federal court in Billings. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6.

Palmer, formerly Kimberly Deford, was office manager at Valley Metal Buildings in Helena from January 2006 through February 2009. As part of her job, she was responsible for bookkeeping, purchasing, inventory, and handling all accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.

The daughter of the business owner found ripped up credit card receipts in an office waste basket, leading to an investigation of Palmer. Court records say when the owner confronted her, she admitted stealing about $50,000.

A private audit revealed the Palmer's schemes resulted in actual and attempted losses totaling more than $157,000.

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