Florida woman pleads guilty to wire fraud, faces 20 years in prison

PLANT CITY, Florida — Christina Lynn Morris, a 46-year-old from Plant City, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Morris has agreed to forfeit $293,202, which is traceable to the proceeds of the offense, according to United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.

Morris, who worked as a Fiscal and Business Analyst for a public research university in the Middle District of Florida, embezzled more than $290,000 from July 2021 through July 2023. She also served as President for a charitable organization based in the same district. Using her positions, Morris conducted unauthorized transactions using the university's credit cards and the association's bank accounts, including bulk purchases of gift cards.

To conceal her fraudulent activities, Morris created falsified documents and made false attestations to the university, while withholding material information from the association. Her actions resulted in losses of $261,632.17 to the university and $31,569.87 to the association, stated the source.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Pasco Sheriff's Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.