Former Aide Admits Stealing $23K From Congresswoman's Account

Courtney Hruska pleaded guilty to wire fraud after transferring funds from Rep. Marcy Kaptur's personal account.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:05am

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A former senior aide to Rep. Marcy Kaptur has admitted to quietly draining her ex-boss's bank account for over a year, transferring nearly $23,000 to pay her own credit card bills. Courtney Hruska, who worked in Kaptur's Washington office from 2015 to 2022, pleaded guilty to a felony wire fraud charge in federal court.

Why it matters

This case highlights the trust placed in congressional staffers and the potential for abuse of that access, as well as the vulnerability of elderly lawmakers to financial crimes. It raises questions about oversight and safeguards for lawmakers' personal finances.

The details

Prosecutors say Hruska, 40, had been entrusted with Kaptur's personal banking and credit card information for official duties. After leaving Kaptur's office and getting a job at the USDA with the congresswoman's help, Hruska began making unauthorized transfers from Kaptur's account to pay her own bills. There were 10 such transfers between August 2023 and July 2024. When a check later bounced, the 79-year-old Kaptur discovered the missing funds. Hruska initially blamed "hackers from the dark web" but later admitted she didn't think she'd be caught because Kaptur "is not 'tech savvy' and 'did not use electronic banking in any form.'"

  • Hruska worked in Kaptur's Washington office from 2015 to 2022.
  • The unauthorized transfers occurred between August 2023 and July 2024.
  • Hruska pleaded guilty in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Courtney Hruska

A 40-year-old former senior aide to Rep. Marcy Kaptur who pleaded guilty to wire fraud for stealing nearly $23,000 from Kaptur's personal bank account.

Rep. Marcy Kaptur

A 79-year-old Democratic congresswoman from Ohio whose personal bank account was drained by her former aide over the course of a year.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't think I'd be caught because Kaptur is not 'tech savvy' and 'did not use electronic banking in any form.'”

— Courtney Hruska, Former Senior Aide

What’s next

Hruska faces up to 20 years in prison at her sentencing in June, though she is expected to receive a lesser sentence.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger financial oversight and safeguards for elderly lawmakers, as well as the importance of vetting congressional staffers with access to personal information. It raises concerns about the vulnerability of senior public officials to exploitation by trusted aides.