ATHOL — The president and CEO of Athol Savings Bank said Wednesday he cannot divulge details on an ongoing federal criminal investigation of a case of embezzlement at the bank, but confirmed money has been returned to the customers involved.
“We did an extensive internal investigation and promptly returned funds to the customers,” Daniel Zona said. “This is being taken seriously. Our trust and stewardship are of the utmost importance.”
Jessica Vargas, 34, of Athol, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 from customers’ accounts, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The former Athol Savings Bank branch manager was charged in federal court in Worcester with one count of bank embezzlement. Vargas was released on conditions, including an unsecured bond of $10,000.
Vargas is accused of making unauthorized withdrawals from customers’ accounts, including more than $53,000 from the account of an 84-year-old woman and nearly $13,000 from the account of an 88-year-old woman.
“We have addressed the issue,” Zona said.
Vargas faces a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Commission guidelines and other statutory factors.
Vargas began working at the bank as a teller in August 2015 at the uptown branch in Athol. She was promoted to branch supervisor last May, according to court records.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 25.
Harold H. Shaw, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston field office, and U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling are involved. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Worcester branch office is prosecuting the case.
Athol Savings Bank is a federally-insured bank with its administrative offices at 444 Main St. The main office and lending center are at 388 Main St., with the uptown branch at 1499 Main St., and branch offices in Ashburnham, Baldwinville, Barre, Gardner and Winchendon.