Former Hendricks Power Cooperative CEO charged with fraud
HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — A man has been charged in federal court Tuesday with defrauding an Avon electric utility company of over $500,000 spanning over six years.
Authorities say that Donnis Mizelle, 55, used his position of CEO at Hendricks Power Cooperative to embezzle from the company’s expense account.
Investigators said that since 2009, Mizelle has used the company account to spend on items such as jewelry, iPhones, iPads, tickets to sporting events, groceries, clothing, and even a personal vacation.
Mizelle was also accused of seeking reimbursement on a pizza he had delivered to his home on a Friday night.
“CEOs hold positions of special trust and authority, not only in the companies they serve but as leaders in society. We expect them to act with integrity,” United States Attorney Josh Minkler said. Exploiting that special trust for personal gain is an egregious crime, especially when those defrauded are friends and neighbors in a community that the CEO was hired to serve. This Office will vigorously prosecute such crimes, doing its part to ensure that business leaders act with the integrity we expect.”
Officials said Mizelle has already agreed to plead guilty to the charge at a future court date and faces up to 20 years in prison as well as fines and restitution payments.
