Environmental manager sentenced for defrauding employer of over $1 million

Ryan K. Buchanan U.S. Attorney | US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia

Michael Mayfield, an environmental manager from Flowery Branch, Georgia, has been sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding his employer, Mars Wrigley, of over $1.2 million. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story and includes three years of supervised release following the prison term. Mayfield is also required to pay restitution amounting to $1,269,457.56.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan commented on the case: “Mayfield devised a false invoicing scheme to betray and defraud his employer of more than $1 million.” He emphasized that this sentencing demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to hold such criminals accountable.

FBI Atlanta’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke stated: “Mayfield betrayed the trust his company had in him then used the fraudulently gained money for personal use and to try and build his reputation in the community.”

According to court documents presented by U.S. Attorney Buchanan, Mayfield was responsible for overseeing Health, Safety, Environmental, and Recycling Programs at Mars Wrigley's factory in Flowery Branch. During his tenure from December 2016 until 2022, he orchestrated a scheme involving recycling waste rebates and false invoicing.

Mayfield diverted checks intended for Mars Wrigley into his own company account at WWJ Recycling, totaling over $500,000. These funds were used for personal expenses including hunting trips valued at more than $100,000 and donations exceeding $80,000 to his church.

Additionally, he directed a co-conspirator to create false invoices from ASA Safety Supply for items intended for personal use or local high school football supplies while billing Mars Wrigley fraudulently. This aspect of the scheme amounted to over $199,000.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Huber prosecuting the case.

For further details or inquiries regarding this case, contact can be made with the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or phone at (404) 581-6016.