PHILADELPHIA, PA — Kimberly Lawson, 44, of Philadelphia, has been sentenced to 60 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and $244,343 in restitution for embezzlement from her employer and fraudulent loan applications submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA). The sentencing was handed down on Thursday by U.S. District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson.
Lawson pleaded guilty in September 2024 to charges of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud. Over a two-year period, she exploited her role as office manager of an electrical contracting company to divert more than $250,000 into accounts she controlled through fraudulent payments and unauthorized transfers. She also attempted to access her employer’s 401k funds but was thwarted before any disbursements were made.
Adding to her crimes, Lawson submitted 15 fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications to the SBA, misrepresenting businesses she claimed to own or manage. Two of these were approved for $23,000, which was deposited into accounts under her control.
“Kimberly Lawson’s greed is her downfall,” stated U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. “This is now the second time that she’s being sentenced for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from an employer…Perhaps today’s longer prison term will prove more impactful than her first.”
Lawson, previously convicted of fraud in 2012, received a 21-month prison sentence for embezzling over $293,000 from another employer.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dave Carter of FBI Philadelphia remarked, “Through a multitude of deceptions and manipulations, Ms. Lawson stole from her employer and from the United States in the pursuit of her own personal gain. This sentencing serves as a reminder that those who exploit their positions for financial profits will be held accountable.”
The case, investigated by the FBI, was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Eve.
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