PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of bank fraud, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.Judith A. Hetzell, 63, pleaded guilty to seven counts before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between November 2023 and February 2025, Hetzell, the former business manager for a non-profit guardianship agency based in the Western District of Pennsylvania, fraudulently drafted checks against individuals’ bank accounts to which the agency had access as a provider of guardianship and other fiduciary services to the victims.Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for October 13, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hetzell.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice