Lansdowne woman admits she lied to judge
A Delaware County woman is facing a fresh prison term after admitting Monday that she lied to a federal judge this year to win a light sentence for embezzling $509,000 from a bank where she worked.
A Delaware County woman is facing a fresh prison term after admitting Monday that she lied to a federal judge this year to win a light sentence for embezzling $509,000 from a bank where she worked.
Katherine Harrell, who bilked the money from United Bank in South Philadelphia, had been sentenced to only one day in prison after telling U.S. District Judge Anita Brody in February that she was the lone caretaker for her baby and a brother disabled after a car accident. The claim stunned FBI agents, who investigated, learned Harrell had made it all up, and arrested her on new charges.
In a hearing Monday before a different judge, Eduardo Robreno, the Lansdowne woman pleaded guilty to corruptly influencing the administration of justice, a charge that could earn her a year or more in prison. Robreno scheduled sentencing for March 20. - John P. Martin