Melissia Gauthreaux, the former accountant for wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, has been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice with six counts of wire fraud. The charges stem from an alleged scheme in which she stole approximately $890,000 from a client, identified only as a 'public figure.'
Details of the Alleged Fraud
According to the indictment, Gauthreaux operated Accounting Resources and Management Services from Palm Harbor, Florida, near Tampa. Between 2017 and 2021, she is accused of embezzling over $890,000 from a client residing in the Middle District of Florida. The indictment claims Gauthreaux had signatory authority over the client's financial accounts, allowing her to remove funds without the client's knowledge or consent.
The FBI uncovered the scheme, and Gauthreaux now faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud. The Department of Justice is also seeking forfeiture of $894,274.26, the amount allegedly stolen.
Connection to Hulk Hogan
TMZ reported that Gauthreaux worked for Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, during the period in question. She was responsible for bookkeeping for the WWE star, who died in July last year at the age of 65. Hogan passed away from natural causes, with a medical examiner citing an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and a history of atrial fibrillation and leukemia. Police found no evidence of foul play.
In a separate revelation, it emerged that Hogan had been secretly battling a fentanyl addiction, as detailed in a final interview recorded shortly before his death.
Gauthreaux is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the case continues to unfold in federal court.
