Former Genesis Convention Center Employee Charged With Theft From A Local Government Entity

HAMMOND- Victoria Wilson, age 52, of Portage, Indiana, was charged by Information with one count of theft from a local government entity receiving federal funds, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

According to the Information, between February 2017 and February 2018, Wilson was employed by the Genesis Convention Center, a venue owned by the City of Gary, Indiana, as its bookkeeper and later as interim Executive Director. The Information alleges that between March and October 2017, Wilson used her position to steal over $10,000 in cash from the Genesis Center.

The parties have entered into a plea agreement to resolve this criminal charge.  Under this signed plea agreement, which has been filed with the court, if accepted by the court, would require Wilson to pay $12,727 in restitution to the City of Gary.

U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Public corruption cannot and will not be tolerated at any level.  My office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue matters involving public corruption.  I encourage anyone with information concerning corrupt public officials to contact my office or the FBI.” 

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Information is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of Indiana State Police and the Indiana State Board of Accounts.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abizer Zanzi.