Columbia bookkeeper sentenced to prison, accused of stealing $250K from local business

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A Columbia bookkeeper has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for wire fraud, says the DOJ.

Image: Department of Justice (D.O.J.)

Image: Department of Justice (D.O.J.)

Evidence obtained during the investigation revealed that Isha Yumakia Warr worked as a bookkeeper for a small business in Lexington County from June 2023 to July 2024.

Shortly after starting work, Warr convinced the business to change their accounting software to a new system.

The new software enabled Warr to pay money directly to herself, rather than paying company invoices, says the DOJ.

The business later discovered a series of unauthorized payments and unpaid invoices during a routine financial review.

With the assistance of a forensic accountant, the business discovered a total of $253,855.48 in unauthorized transfers were made from the business account into Warr’s personal account.

A U.S. District Judge sentenced Warr to 37 months’ imprisonment which is to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.

Also, Warr was ordered to pay $253,855.48 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.