LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — A Lake Charles woman has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $230,000 from her employer's bank account.

U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley, in a news release Thursday, said 33-year-old Melissa D. Crookshank entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to one count of wire fraud.

Finley's office says Crookshank worked as a bookkeeper for a company in Hackberry and stole $235,156 from her employer starting in 2009 through January 2015.

Authorities say Crookshank issued checks to herself during that time without authorization, which she deposited into her own bank accounts for personal use.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 25. She faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution.

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