A Deatsville man is facing federal charges connected to an Alaskan company where he worked as a general manager.
James Wohlers worked for GBR Equipment/Oilfield Services in Anchorage from 2008 until he was fired in 2019. According to a federal indictment, Wohlers is accused of embezzling funds for personal transactions, including financing a trip to China for an adoption, buying a boat at Lake Martin and sending money to a church in Alabama.
Prosecutors accuse Wohlers of forming a company named BGI Industrial Services in 2015. In 2017, two companies performed services for GBR. Instead of sending invoices from GBR, Wohlers is accused of sending invoices from BGI. Both companies paid the invoices, and BGI received the money.
A 2019 audit discovered multiple suspicious transactions after employees were given pay cuts due to the company’s poor financial status.
Wohlers was fired and BGR demanded $1.5 million.
The payment was never made, and Wohlers is now charged with federal wire fraud and tax evasion. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Wohlers is considered innocent until proven guilty.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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