A former payroll department head for a company in St. Louis County has admitted to embezzling over $305,000 by paying herself unauthorized salary and bonuses. Deborah Stinebaker, 49, of O’Fallon, Missouri, pleaded guilty on Thursday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of fraudulently effecting transactions.
According to court documents, Stinebaker used the company’s financial software from January 2016 through March 2024 to pay herself an extra $305,469. The scheme was uncovered after an audit revealed that the company’s financial instability was due to the embezzlement.
Stinebaker is scheduled for sentencing on February 17, 2026. The charge she faces carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or both. She will also be required to repay the stolen funds.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Maryland Heights Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is prosecuting the case.
