A pair of metro Atlanta men are set to spend time in prison for fleecing Panda Express of almost $1.5 million.
Derek Cyrus, of Lithonia, and Chuck Sandford, of Marietta, were sentenced on Wednesday.
Cyrus, 53, got four years and five months in prison; Sandford, 74, received a year and three months, according to federal prosecutors.
READ | Woman arrested after refusing Cobb hotel sex party sues for $20M
Their ruse started about January 2013.
The men were recruiters for the national restaurant chain and set up fake consulting businesses. They falsely claimed those businesses had found employees to fill open positions at Panda Express. Then they invoiced Panda Express for the work of finding fictious employees.
Even after Cyrus stopped working for the company in March 2013, he continued to send bunk invoices to the bill-paying department and lied that he was still working there, prosecutors said.
READ | Despite family's pleas, Cobb man sentenced for Afghan kickback scheme
The men, charged in early 2017, also lied in state court when they were sued by Panda Express.
“These defendants’ calculated lies and fraud were driven by simple greed,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “They not only stole from this corporation, Cyrus and Sandford also lied in a state court, which demonstrated their lack of respect for the law. Now they have years to reflect on those actions while serving their federal sentences.”
Panda Express general counsel Monte Baier released a statement about the sentencings.
“Panda Express deeply appreciates the excellent work of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the FBI Atlanta Field Office in prosecuting and convicting both Dereck Cyrus and Chuck Sandford for fraud against Panda. Panda will continue to take a hard line against those who choose to engage in fraudulent activities against our company.”
Like Cobb County News Now on Facebook | Follow on Twitter
MORE | Braves-inspired Omni hotel opens
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
