Former National Guard Employee Faces Wire Fraud Charges

Angela Watson, a former employee for the Indiana National Guard, faces federal wire fraud charges after she allegedly stole more than $200,000 from United States Army funds.  Watson is accused of using her position as a National Guard program analyst to make unauthorized personal purchases and then submitting false and fraudulent receipts.

Watson, 51, was with the National Guard for eight years although the alleged wire fraud scheme appears to have taken place between 2008 and late 2010.  The unauthorized purchases were made on a federally-funded government purchase card that Watson was assigned and authorized to use.  She used the purchase card at a variety of stores such as Wal-Mart, Sears, Staples and Best Buy.  Her personal purchases included jewelry, electronics, household appliances, home installations, gift cards, clothing, tools, and food.

According to officials, Watson has filed a petition with the court to plead guilty as part of a prospective plea agreement.  If her plea is accepted by a United States District judge, Watson could be sentenced to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  She also faces up to three years of federally-supervised release.