A 52-year-old Frederick woman has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges after admitting to stealing more than $730,000 from a private, member-owned country club where she worked in accounting and human resources.
Tara Williams admitted that she used her position and access to the club’s payroll system to carry out the scheme for more than 15 years, beginning in 2010 and continuing through September of 2025. According to her guilty plea, Williams created a fictitious employee using the name of a former worker, a made-up address and the Social Security number of a deceased individual. She then entered false timekeeping records to generate payroll payments and directed the money into her personal bank account.
The club ultimately disbursed more than $900,000 in wages and withholdings through the scheme, with Williams personally receiving more than 730-thousand dollars. When the club discovered the fictitious employee, Williams attempted to cover her tracks by altering a Maryland Child Support Administration document to make it appear the employee was legitimate. Investigators also found evidence on her electronic accounts and cell phone, including searches about ghost employees and the punishment for creating them.
Williams faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for February 5th, 2027.
By: Dianah Gibson
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