OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha private investigator has taken a plea deal on allegations that she defrauded a client of more than $856,000.
Federal prosecutors say 69-year-old Patricia Walker-Halstead will be sentenced in February after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud. Prosecutors dropped 10 other counts in exchange for her plea. Walker-Halstead has agreed to pay $250,000 in restitution.
Prosecutors say Walker-Halstead lied to a client about developing evidence and conducting background checks. Court records say Walker-Halstead told the unnamed client she asked a Nebraska State Patrol investigator named "Scott" to help investigate the client's security concerns. She asked her client to give Scott money because of his financial problems and medical bills. Authorities say there was no Scott on the case.
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