INDIANAPOLIS -- The former CEO of Hendricks Power Cooperative was charged Tuesday with defrauding the utility of more than $500,000 over six years.
Donnis Mizelle, 55, of Avon, Indiana, has agreed to plead guilty to the charge against him. He's accused of using his position as CEO to embezzle nearly half a million dollars, which federal prosecutors say he used to buy jewelry, iPads and pay for personal vacations.
“CEOs hold positions of special trust and authority, not only in the companies they serve but as leaders in society. We expect them to act with integrity,” U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler said. “Exploiting that special trust for personal gain is an egregious crime, especially when those defrauded are friends and neighbors in a community that the CEO was hired to serve. This Office will vigorously prosecute such crimes, doing its part to ensure that business leaders act with the integrity we expect.”
Mizelle faces up to 20 years in prison and an order to pay restitution to Hendricks Power Cooperative.
