Ex-cashier must pay back $12.9 million in embezzlement case

An ex-cashier was sentenced to prison and must repay $12.9 million to her former employer in connection with a massive embezzlement case.

Cynthia Mills worked at the North Shore headquarters of Matthews International, a Pittsburgh-based company that specializes in bronze work.

PREVIOUS STORY: Ex-cashier steals $9.5M from Pittsburgh monuments firm, federal authorities say

During her 16-year career, federal investigators said Mills bought a 47-foot luxury yacht, a $68,000 Mercedes-Benz, a Tiffany's necklace with 125 diamonds and a Louis Vuitton handbag with money that she stole.

"This is the -- as I know -- largest embezzlement cast in the history of Pennsylvania," said Mills' attorney, Phil DiLucente.

TRENDING NOW:

• Teacher found dead after police launch child pornography investigation
• Trump blasts release of leaked 2005 tax forms
• PHOTOS: Woman rescues dog who later saves her from abusive relationship
• Man buys new home; land owner blocks him from entering

Mills pleaded guilty to all six counts on Wednesday. In addition to paying restitution, Mills is expected to serve to seven and a half years in federal prison and three years of probation. A federal judge is set to sentence her in July.

Prosecutors said Mills began cashing third-party checks before eventually opening a bank account under a fake company and wiring herself money. The complex scheme got past the company's internal and external auditors.

"She had a very bad gambling habit. To steal $13 million and embezzle it the way and the manner that she did, one can never argue she's not someone who is extremely, extremely intelligent," DiLucente said.

In order to pay the money back, Mills will auction off all of the items that she purchased with the stolen money.

Cox Media Group