Embezzler sentenced to five years

TAMPA — A Palmetto woman who falsely told her employer she was a former IRS agent in order to embezzle more than $700,000 has been sentenced to five years and thee months in federal prison.

Beverly Sue Gingell, 61, pleaded guilty Oct. 22 to wire fraud and obstructing and impeding the administration of the Internal Revenue Service. U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday, in the sentencing order issued Jan. 9, also ordered Gingell to pay $651,347.42 in restitution and to forfeit $745,000, which represents the proceeds of the fraud.

Gingell, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's office, was formerly employed at Bradenton-based Pro-Link, where she was the finance manager. Pro-Link is an immigration services firm.