Manager Stole $1.9M from Employer Using Fake Invoices

Gene Christopher Acuff, a 62-year-old Mooresville resident, has received a sentence of 41 months in federal prison for embezzling over $1.9 million from his employer. The sentencing also includes one year of supervised release and a restitution payment of $1,997,150.29. Additionally, Acuff must forfeit $400,000 as a penalty for his actions.

Acuff, who held a senior manager position at a large retailer with extensive operations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was responsible for reviewing property tax assessments and hiring external professionals. Court documents reveal that from January 2020 to June 2024, he orchestrated a scheme by establishing five fictitious businesses. These entities submitted fake invoices to his employer for services that were never performed.

Acuff exploited his access to the company's billing system to authorize payments for these fraudulent invoices, ultimately diverting more than $1.9 million into bank accounts under his control. He has pleaded guilty to mail fraud and money laundering charges and will report to the Bureau of Prisons once designated to a facility.