Loan Pyramid Scheme Draws Banning From CUIndustry

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - (02/11/05) -- A former branch manager for AmericaFirst FCU was banned by NCUA from the credit union industry forembezzling more than $70,000 from the credit union by pyramidingloans from three separate accounts. Brenda Lee Busico was convictedon theft and embezzlement charges for a loan pyramid scheme bywhich she advanced funds on fictitious loans then diverted thefunds to her own share account. Also banned by NCUA were: LindaMarie Thompson, a former teller at SE Erie (Pa.) Industrial FCU forembezzling $117,000 from the credit union; and Christine Quonce, aformer employee at Syracuse (N.Y.) FCU for stealing $124,000 fromthe credit union. NCUA also issued banning orders against: KimberlyHawkinson, former vice president of Princeton University FCU,Princeton, N.J.; Catherine Moss, former manager of SouthernDelaware Postal Employees FCU, Houston, Del.; and Fregeania Sample,former manager of Austin West Garfield FCU, Chicago.