Former Keller Williams Bookkeeper Sentenced 27 Months Embezzling $453K Columbus

Lauren Williams Eldridge, a former bookkeeper and office manager at Keller Williams Realty River Cities in Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after admitting to embezzling nearly $454,000 from her employer. Eldridge transferred funds from the company's operating and commission accounts to her personal American Express credit card between 2017 and 2022, using the money to pay off credit card debts and cover personal expenses such as trips, furniture, and beauty products. The scheme was uncovered in October 2022 when company officials noticed discrepancies in a business account, leading to Eldridge's resignation. Eldridge pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud and was ordered to pay full restitution to Keller Williams Realty. FBI Atlanta Special Agent Paul Brown and Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker emphasized the serious impact of employee theft on businesses and communities and affirmed that fraud will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Hostetler following an FBI investigation.