Swisher Executives Charged with Fraud

In 2012, Swisher, a janitorial and cleaning-supply services company, was charged with allegations of financial wrongdoings.  Now, three years later, Michael Kipp (former CFO) and Joanne Viard (former director of external reporting) face charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, securities fraud, and obstruction of justice.

The fraud was carried out largely so that executives could meet earnings targets. While it may not have initially seemed like a big deal to Kipp and Viard to commit the fraud, the investing public was put at risk, and fraud is a crime that is punished. Jill Rose, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, made it clear that whenever there is fraud it will be punished, and in this case the two executives may face up to 30 years in prison.

See this article from The Charlotte Observer for more information.