Former T.J. Martell Exec Charged In $3.7 Million Embezzlement Scheme

Goodwin

Multiple sources, including THE TENNESSEAN, are reporting that former T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION EVP/GM MELISSA GOODWIN has been charged with wire fraud in a scheme to allegedly bilk the charity out of $3.7 million. According to the newspaper, THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE alleged the 55-year-old, a longtime T.J. MARTELL employee, who was based in NASHVILLE, used the foundation's money to purchase expensive and rare alcohols, plane tickets and hotel stays as part of a multimillion dollar ticketing scheme. 

As part of that scheme, GOODWIN allegedly used a credit card she obtained in the foundation's name to purchase concert tickets to shows including concerts by CELINE DION and LADY GAGA and sporting events like SUPER BOWL LIV, according to a news release from the U.S. ATTORNEY's Office in NASHVILLE. GOODWIN then reportedly provided the tickets to a charity auction house claiming the charity had received them at no cost or a discounted rate, according to federal officials. To cloak the purchases, she falsified credit card and bank statements, federal prosecutors say. In addition, the DOJ alleged GOODWIN forged the signature of the foundation's CEO on checks totaling nearly $1 million. 

The TENNESSEAN reports GOODWIN faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.

GOODWIN joined the T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION in 2005. She was promoted from Office and Events Mgr. for the Southern Region to Dir./Administration for the entire Foundation in 2011. More recently, she was promoted from SVP/Operations & Human Resources to EVP/GM in 2018, reporting to CEO LAURA HEATHERLY (NET NEWS 8/30/18).

The foundation issued a statement saying it detected the financial irregularities allegedly caused by GOODWIN's actions 18 months ago, initiated an investigation, terminated GOODWIN and turned its findings over to the FBI. The foundation also said it "implemented a series of stringent financial controls" to prevent a similar situation in the future. T.J. MARTELL plans to initiate civil litigation to try to recoup its losses. 

THE T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION battles life-threatening illnesses and has long been a favorite charity for NASHVILLE's MUSIC ROW -- and the larger music industry -- often tapping top Country talent as performers and honorees for its annual NASHVILLE HONORS GALA fundraiser.

Read THE TENNESSEAN's full story here.

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