LAFAYETTE (AP) — A 60-year-old woman accused of stealing more than $500,000 from her employer has pleaded guilty to a charge of wire fraud.

U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley’s office said Monday that Carol A. Thrasher, of Lake Charles, entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik in Lafayette.

According to evidence presented at the plea hearing, Thrasher admitted that from January 2007 to April 2012, while working as a manager for a company in Westlake, she stole $551,357.

Authorities say she had access to her company’s bank account and used funds from it to pay the balance of a personal credit card numerous times over the five-year period.

Thrasher faces up to 20 years in prison, restitution and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set.

(MGNonline)