In a shocking revelation, Kristen Battocletti, an administrative assistant at a church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was found guilty of embezzling $300,000 from her employer to buy gifts for TikTok influencers.
Battocletti, who managed the church’s finances, executed 429 transactions using church funds to purchase TikTok coins, which she then used to send virtual gifts to various TikTok creators.
Federal officials uncovered the fraud, leading to Battocletti’s dismissal from her position. She has since pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and is now required to repay at least $299,343 as part of her plea agreement.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the unusual nature of the embezzlement, highlighting the potential risks of unchecked access to organizational funds.
Tuscaloosa, located about 60 miles southwest of Birmingham, was the backdrop for this digital-age crime that combines old-fashioned embezzlement with modern social media dynamics.
The church community, left reeling from the betrayal, now faces the challenge of financial recovery and rebuilding trust.
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