By Maria Hickey, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – The former CFO for Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis has pleaded guilty to stealing $828,000 from his employer.
Steven Brodzin entered the plea Thursday morning. The 41-year-old from O'Fallon, Missouri is charged with one count of mail fraud.
U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway says Brodzin created three dummy corporations that looked like hospital vendors. He used the money for luxury vehicles, a condo in Florida, and sports tickets.
Hanaway says the case sickened her.
"While children were fighting for their lives and recovering from burns, he was stealing money," Hanaway said. "While children were trying to get their lives back together after terrible illness, maybe amputation, he was stealing money."
Hanaway emphasized that Brodzin acted alone.
Brodzin faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
As part of his plea agreement Brodzin is required to pay back $828,000 back to the hospital.