Thompson Falls woman accused of federal fraud charges

A Thompson Falls woman is facing federal fraud charges after she allegedly stole nearly $200,000 from her employer.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana, 49-year-old Tina Rae Wood appeared in court in Missoula Aug. 30 and pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto.

Wood faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Wood was released pending further proceedings. The FBI investigated the case. 

According to charging documents, Wood, between July 2014 and February 2019 in Trout Creek and Idaho, deposited checks made out to her employer into her personal bank accounts. She also allegedly wrote company checks to herself as well as friends and family members.

The next court appearance for Wood is Sept. 15 in Missoula.