Unalterable

A little more than three years ago last month, I made the unforgettable decision that has unalterably changed my life forever. I knew the owners of the companies I worked for as a Comptroller were moving funds from my company to another. They were doing this to make it appear they were all doing well in this depressed and downturned economy, when in fact, business was horrible and they were barely surviving.

Without this “adjustment” they would never be able to keep their established ‘line of credit’ hold onto mortgages, or make weekly payrolls.

Those people were friends of mine, Masonic Lodge buddies of my husband’s, people I cared about. I never suspected that when all the transactions came to the attention of the bank and lending institution, what ramifications I would personally face.

When the banks caught on to what was happening, they contacted the owners, unbeknownst to me, they advised them that legal actions would be filed.

When I arrived for work I was told I would be laid off when investigation was occurring. As if they had no idea what was going on! These people, I had defended and protected, throwing me to the wolves? Absolutely.

I was arrested and charged with money laundering and bank fraud. A charge carrying a penalty of up to 30 years’ federal time.

After having an attorney, I was about to get the charges reduced to grand theft and bank fraud thrown out. However, as I was not able to prove anyone ever told me to move the money, there was no alternative but to pled guilty. They had the signatures and verified documents that I had made the transfers.

This has led to the loss of my home, loss of respect of my family members, loss of a career I loved, and the separation of my marriage. During my incarceration my husband and I have separated, very few of my friends still speak to me, my father and my mother have both passed away.

When I leave this institution, I will literally be starting over with absolutely nothing.

My children have stood by me during my ordeal, but they are adults now, grown and starting their own families and lives.

This will be the first time in my life that I have ever been alone. A phase that both terrifies and excites me at the same time. I went from my father’s, to my husbands, and have never had a time in my life when I was not caring or taking care of someone else.

If I could go back and change my actions, I would never have risked so much for friends! Cause where are the now…

– Sarah Weaver