Former Willard Mayor Sentenced for Stealing $300,000 from Truckers
Corey Louis Hendrickson, the former mayor of Willard, Missouri, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for stealing nearly $300,000 from truckers. Hendrickson, 46, committed the fraud over five years while working for Prime Inc..
How the Truckers were Defrauded
From September 2016 to August 2021, Hendrickson worked as a fleet dispatcher at Prime Inc., a trucking company based in Springfield, Missouri. He had access to the financial accounts of truckers who worked for the company. Prime, Inc. used ComData, a payment processor, to manage these accounts. The drivers used ComData cards like debit cards to pay for fuel and other work-related expenses.
Hendrickson used his access to steal personal information from over 500 drivers. With this information, he conducted more than 1,000 unauthorized transactions, taking money that was meant to pay for fuel costs. He transferred these funds into his own bank accounts.
Impact on Truckers
More than 500 truck drivers were affected by Hendrickson’s actions. The amount stolen from each driver ranged from less than $100 to as much as $6,495. For many drivers, who often work long hours and live on tight budgets, these losses were a big blow.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Hendrickson pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft on October 24, 2023. On the same day, he resigned from his position as an alderman in Willard, a role he took on after serving as mayor from 2015 to 2021.
U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes sentenced Hendrickson to three years in prison without the chance of parole. The judge also ordered Hendrickson to pay back $298,737 to the affected drivers.
Investigation and Legal Action
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Springfield Police Department. The investigation showed how Hendrickson stole money from the truck drivers and how many people were hurt by his actions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney led the prosecution, which brought the case to court and secured Hendrickson’s guilty plea.
Lessons Learned
This case highlights the need for strong security measures to protect personal and financial information. It also shows how important it is for companies to monitor their systems and ensure that people in positions of trust do not abuse their power.
For the truck drivers affected by Hendrickson’s crimes, this case has been a tough lesson. As they work to recover from their losses, this sentencing brings some closure. However, it also serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and protect their information against fraud.
