Koss exec accused of embezzling $31M

MILWAUKEE, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- A former senior executive for Koss Corp. allegedly embezzled more than $31 million from the Milwaukee headphones manufacturer, federal officials said Wednesday.

The FBI said in a release on its Web site a grand jury has indicted Sujata Sachdeva, 46, also known as Su Sachdeva, of Mequon, Wis., on six counts of wire fraud.

Sachdeva was vice president of finance and principal accounting officer for Koss when she allegedly stole the money to enhance her lifestyle.

She allegedly used company money to pay her American Express credit card bills and buy clothing, furs, purses, shoes, jewelry, cars, china, statues and household furnishings. She financed travel expenses for herself and others, paid for home improvements and hired people to provide personal services to her and her family, federal authorities allege.

Sachdeva is accused of hiding illegal money transfers by having other Koss employees make fraudulent entries in the company's books to make them appear as legitimate business transactions.

Authorities said they will seek forfeiture of the property and belongings allegedly obtained with the money.

U.S. Attorney James L. Santelle called the case "one of the largest embezzlement cases ever brought in this district."