Accused Embezzler Enters Court Plea In $1.1M Darien Business Scam

DARIEN, CT — The 50-year-old former controller of Darien-based Continental BMW of Darien waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to one count of wire fraud arising from a $1.1 million embezzlement scheme, announced United States Attorney John H. Durham.

Vanessa Vence-Small, of New Windsor, NY, faces a possible maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine of up to $2.3 million in addition to an order of full restitution.

According to prosecutors and court documents from October 2014 to June 2017, Vence-Small "made 65 unauthorized electronic fund transfers, totaling $904,659.29, from the dealership’s bank account to her personal American Express account."

Additionally, she also "issued and signed 28 checks drawn on the dealership’s bank account, in the total amount of $207,777.78, to pay various third parties, including credit card companies, contractors who performed work at her residence, and a different dealership from which she purchased a car." Vence-Small also racked up an additional $31,452.08 in unauthorized credit card charges and reimbursements on company accounts.

Vence-Small is currently free after posting a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer on May 24.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Darien Police Department and Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

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