HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A Cabell County man has been sentenced to federal prison after admitting he embezzled more than $600,000 while serving as an office manager at a local law firm, prosecutors said.
According to court records, 58-year-old Todd Chapman of Huntington was sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to bank fraud.
Chapman worked for the now-defunct Tyson & Tyson Law Firm for approximately 30 years. In 2015, he became the sole account holder for the firm and used that position to divert funds into his personal accounts, court documents state.
Prosecutors said Chapman defrauded guardian and trust estate clients and also stole money the firm received from the Small Business Administration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From 2016 to 2022, Chapman concealed his financial activity by creating false documents, including forged checks and fabricated employment contracts, according to records.
Court documents further state that Chapman made false statements under oath in civil lawsuits filed by former clients and misled federal law enforcement during the investigation.
He has been ordered to pay $602,362.97 in restitution.