Utah Woman Sentenced for $1.4M Embezzlement Scheme

Benedicta Okunlola used stolen funds for personal expenses and international travel.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A 32-year-old Salt Lake City woman was sentenced to 15 months in prison for embezzling nearly $1.4 million from her employer over a four-year period. Benedicta Okunlola pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was ordered to pay full restitution, as well as a $5,000 lump sum fine.

Why it matters

Fraud and embezzlement cases like this highlight the need for robust financial controls and oversight, especially at companies that handle large sums of money. This case also underscores the real financial harm that can be caused when employees violate positions of trust.

The details

Okunlola worked as a merchant growth specialist and used her role to issue 2,343 prepaid gift cards to herself, her online art business, and family members. She kept the gift card purchases below the company's approval thresholds to avoid detection. Okunlola spent the stolen funds on rent, online shopping, groceries, travel, and other personal expenses.

  • Okunlola pleaded guilty to wire fraud on November 18, 2025.
  • Okunlola was sentenced on February 6, 2026.

The players

Benedicta Okunlola

A 32-year-old Salt Lake City woman who worked as a merchant growth specialist and embezzled nearly $1.4 million from her employer over a four-year period.

Robert J. Shelby

The U.S. District Court Judge who sentenced Okunlola to 15 months in prison and ordered her to pay $1,398,014 in restitution, as well as a $5,000 lump sum fine.

Robert Bohls

The special agent in charge of the FBI's Salt Lake City Field Office, which investigated the case.

Melissa Holyoak

The U.S. Attorney for Utah, who stated that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in fraud.

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What they’re saying

“Benedicta Okunlola's actions were not a mistake or a lapse in judgment. It was a deliberate scheme driven by greed.”

— Robert Bohls, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office

“Okunlola stole from her employer to fund her jet-setting lifestyle. It is our hope that her sentence will serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in fraud.”

— Melissa Holyoak, U.S. Attorney for Utah

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Benedicta Okunlola out on bail pending her appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial controls and oversight, especially at companies that handle large sums of money. It also underscores the real harm that can be caused when employees violate positions of trust through fraud and embezzlement.