Medical Practice Office Manager Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement

Susan Hampe, 62, of Des Peres, pled guilty to two counts of theft of mail in connection with an embezzlement and fraud scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

This case was investigated by the and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  

"I'd say we've been working on it for a better part of a year," Manchester Police Chief Timothy Walsh said.

According to court documents and the U.S Attorney's Office, Hampe was the office manager of the health center off Enchanted Parkway in Manchester from 2005 until 2010. Between May 2008 and May 2010, Hampe embezzled insurance payments that were meant for patients of the medical practice. Investigators said Hampe forged the signature of a member of the medical practice on the checks and indicated the payee wished to sign the proceeds of the check over to her. She then reportedly deposited the checks into her accounts. 

Prosecutors also said Hampe created bogus claim applications in the name of the medical practice, submitted them to the insurance associated with an existing patient, and then signed the payment checks over to herself.

Hampe pled guilty to two felony counts of theft of mail. Her sentencing is set for September. According to the U.S Attorney's office, Hampe faces up to five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000, per count. Restitution is mandatory, according to prosecutors. Hampe also consented to the criminal forfeiture of a vehicle and a residence purchased in part with the proceeds of her crime.