Andy Williams Controller Pleads Guilty

Dawn Cleveringa waived her right to a grand jury Aug. 26 before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri’s office.

In pleading guilty, she admitted she made unauthorized payments to herself, and unauthorized payments of her personal expenses from theatre funds in 2007 and 2008.

She also admitted to manipulating the accounting system of the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre to cover up the thefts.

Cleveringa served as controller of the venue from 1992 to 2009, and during her tenure oversaw financial transactions, payroll and issued W-2 forms to employees.

The woman has also been prosecuted in state court for the embezzlement, as the federal charge relates to part of the embezzled income for which Cleveringa failed to pay income taxes.

She faces up to three years in federal prison without parole, and could pay a fine of up to $250,000 and an order of restitution. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled following a presentence investigation.