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Release Date: 06/04/2004
Release Number: 04-1014-ATL
Contact Name: Gloria Della
Phone Number: 202.693.8664
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Atlanta, Georgia - The owner and president of
Commercial Marketing Services Inc. (CMS) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, has
pleaded guilty to embezzling from the company’s profit sharing plan. The
criminal charges were based on an investigation conducted by the U.S.
Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). |
“Theft
of employee benefit assets jeopardizes the benefits of workers,” said
Ann L. Combs, Assistant Secretary of Labor for EBSA. “Our legal action
in the Commercial Marketing Services case sends a clear message that we
are committed to protecting the benefit promises made to workers.” |
James
Gordon Leigh was indicted on October 28, 2003, for embezzling the plan
assets in 2000 and 2001. CMS sold vacation packages for businesses to use
as employee awards and incentives. The plan had eight participants and
total assets of $479,105. Leigh is to be sentenced on August 12, 2004. |
The
Atlanta regional office of EBSA investigated the case, which was
prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of
Georgia. |
In
fiscal year 2003, EBSA achieved record monetary results of $1.4 billion
related to the pension, 401(k), health and other benefits of millions of
American workers and their families. Employers and workers can contact the
Atlanta regional office at 404.562.2156 or through EBSA’s toll free
number, 1.866.444.EBSA (3272), for help with problems relating to
private-sector pension and health plans. |
(U.S.
v. Leigh)
Criminal No. 1:03-CR-628-RWS |
U.S. Department of Labor
news releases are accessible on the Internet. The information in this news
release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large
print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive
Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing
your request. Call 202.693.7773 or TTY 202.693.7755. |