COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Rodney Ellis, 71, of Sumter, was sentenced to nearly three years in federal jail after pleading guilty to his function in defrauding a regional non-profit company.
Proof provided to the Court revealed that while working as the Financial Officer for Sumter Behavioral Health Providers (SBHS), a 501c3 non-profit, Ellis defrauded the non-profit out of more than $800,000 over 8 years. His plan was to divert funds from SBHS banking accounts to his own individual banking accounts.
United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten sentenced Ellis to 33 months in federal jail, to be followed by a three-year regard to court-ordered guidance. Ellis was likewise purchased to pay restitution to SBHS in the quantity of $812,259.07. There is no parole in the federal system.
” By taking from a company that serves those struggling with drug abuse, Ellis drew from those he needs to have been securing,” stated U.S. Lawyer Adair F. Boroughs. “This case reveals that financial criminal activities are not victimless, and typically do one of the most damage to those who require aid one of the most. This workplace will continue to strongly prosecute scams, and we value the efforts of all state and federal firms associated with this case.”
” Ellis utilized his position of power to benefit from a system developed to assist those with drug abuse obstacles,” stated Federal Bureau of Examination (FBI) Columbia Unique Representative in Charge, Susan Ferensic. “Our work is not completed. The FBI and our police partners will continue to take apart the plans that injure health companies and we will hold the wrongdoers responsible.”
” I am grateful to the United States Lawyer’s Workplace for their efforts in bringing Rodney Ellis to justice,” stated Sumter County Constable Anthony Dennis “Ellis betrayed the trust of not just members of the Sumter Behavioral Health workplace, however the residents ofSumter County We hope the message is clear that anybody who betrays the trust of their company by taking funds will be called to account and all efforts will be used to bring them to justice.”
This case was examined by the FBI and the Sumter County Sherriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Lawyer Amy Bower prosecuted the case.