Columbia Bookkeeper Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing $250K from Local Business

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Isha Yumakia Warr, 53, of Columbia, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for wire fraud.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Warr worked as a bookkeeper for a small business in Lexington County from June 2023 to July 2024. Shortly after starting work, Warr convinced the business to change their accounting software to a new system. The new software enabled Warr to pay money directly to herself, rather than paying company invoices. The business later discovered a series of unauthorized payments and unpaid invoices during a routine financial review. With the assistance of a forensic accountant, the business discovered a total of $253,855.48 in unauthorized transfers were made from the business account into Warr's personal account.

United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Warr to 37 months' imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Ms. Warr was ordered to pay $253,855.48 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Lexington County Sheriff's Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews prosecuted the case.

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