Former Employee Faces Up To 80 Years For Embezzling $450K

HOUSTON (AP) — A former financial employee of Southwestern Energy Co. faces up to 80 years in prison for embezzling more than $450,000 from the oil and gas company.

Kendra Walker of Houston pleaded guilty Monday to four counts of wire fraud. The 28-year-old Walker remains free on bond pending sentencing in federal court in Houston.

Prosecutors say Walker worked in the accounts payable department for Spring-based Southwestern Energy. Investigators say the theft happened over a one-year period, beginning in early 2014.

Walker fraudulently changed bank information for some vendors to accounts that she controlled. Bogus invoices led to payments transmitted to Walker's accounts.