Embezzling Ex-Martell Exec Sentenced
• Melissa Ann Goodwin, former EVP/GM of the TJ Martell Foundation, was sentenced to four years in prison on Thursday, Aug. 11 after pleading guilty in February to embezzling more than $3.7 million from the foundation. As reported by Billboard, William Campbell Jr., U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee, also ordered Goodwin to pay $3.9 million in restitution. All things considered, it appears that Goodwin got off relatively easily — she could have faced up to 20 years in prison, but likely received the lighter sentence after cooperating with prosecutors.
According to prosecutors, Goodwin used a company credit card to purchase approximately $3.96 million in concert and sporting event tickets. She also allegedly bought plane tickets, alcohol and hotel stays. Goodwin then turned some of the items over to the owner of a charity auction business to resell. Prosecutors also say Goodwin also falsified credit card statements, created fake expense reports, and replaced the ticket expenses with other vendor names to make the charges appear to be legitimate foundation expenses.
In a statement, the Martell Foundation said, “This was a terrible situation, where a trusted person stole from a non-profit organization that provides vital funds for the fight against cancer. While we believe justice was served in this case, we look forward to seeking full restitution through our pending civil lawsuits against others who either participated in this scheme or should have caught it before it happened.” Goodwin is still facing two separate civil lawsuits from the foundation, filed against her and others allegedly involved in the scheme.
