MURRAY, Ky.–Jennifer L. Hicks, the former credit union employee who went missing before being found dead of what police said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was originally suspected of stealing more than $300,000 from a local CU, according to a new report.
As CUToday.info reported here, Kentucky State Police found the body of Hicks in a storage unit at Garland Rental Boat & Mini Storage. Her car was also found inside the unit.
Hicks had been reported missing on Feb. 9 and one week later, on Feb. 16, a warrant for her arrest had been issued related to a suspected embezzlement from the $52-million Lake Chem Community CU on a charge of theft by failure to make required disposition of property over $10,000.
Hicks had last been seen at the credit union’s Murray branch on mid-day on Feb. 9 after leaving to check on her eight-year-old daughter.
Police did not say who had discovered Hicks’ body.
A report in the West Kentucky Star indicates that a Feb. 16 Kentucky State Police incident report estimated $304,981.30 was stolen from Lake Chem between Nov. 6, 2012 and Feb. 2, 2016. The report goes on to say that the suspect used computer equipment to commit the thefts.
KSP Trooper Michael Robichaud told the Star that the actual amount is, "significantly lower" than $300,000. He said a true figure won't be known until audits are completed and affidavits are received from those who are missing money. Robichaud couldn't say if those affidavits would be from additional victims, or just the credit union, since the investigation is ongoing.
Under the heading “Special Bulletin,” Lake Chem Community CU has placed a statement on its website that reads, “Lake Chem Community Federal Credit Union has discovered irregularities in some of its records which may affect the accuracy of year end reports of some of our members. We currently are in the process of correcting those records and issuing any necessary amendments to reports. Lake Chem does not anticipate financial loss to either Lake Chem or any of its members as a result of these irregularities. In any event and for the reassurance of our members, Lake Chem would like to affirm that it is a Federal Credit Union and all member accounts are Federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.”