KC Reporter

A woman from Strafford, Missouri, has been sentenced for embezzling over $295,000 from her employer using a company credit card. Kayellen Faye Inskip, 47, received a sentence of 36 months in federal prison without parole and an additional three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool also ordered restitution in the amount of $295,771.91.

In October 2024, Inskip pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud. She admitted to making unauthorized personal purchases with a credit card issued by her employer, Mears Floral. The fraudulent activity took place between August 31, 2021, and August 25, 2022. However, evidence presented during sentencing revealed that the embezzlement began in 2014 and continued until it was discovered by company officials.

Inskip used the company card for various personal expenses including travel, entertainment, clothing, utilities, medical bills, and college tuition for her daughter. As a bookkeeper and Operations Manager at Mears Floral, she authorized payments for these purchases and provided false financial reports to conceal her actions.

Mears Floral was a Springfield-based business serving retail florists across several states since its founding in 1949. The company's closure following Inskip's embezzlement resulted in nearly 33 employees losing their jobs. Many had long tenures with the company.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney is prosecuting the case which was investigated by the Springfield Police Department and the United States Secret Service.