Aaa Accountant Expected To Admit Wire Fraud Federal Prosecutors Suspect Portland Man Of Taking $2.5 Million By Using Computers

An accountant for the Oregon/Idaho American Automobile Association is expected to plead guilty Monday to wire fraud involving some $2.5 million, the Oregonian reported Saturday.

Paul Herbert Perkins, 35, earned $31,500 a year as accounting supervisor in the organization’s Portland headquarters.

But he has a $476,000 home in Portland, four cars, a boat and owns a sports bar in downtown Portland, according to a search warrant affidavit filed in February in federal court.

He was charged with wire fraud because he used a computer across state lines to bilk his employers.

“The government intends to argue that the loss is over $2.5 million,” said U.S. Attorney Allan Garten.

Perkins was fired in January after company officials found discrepancies in financial records. Perkins has denied knowledge of any discrepancies.

The affidavit alleges that Perkins also stole large amounts of American Express traveler’s checks. His duties included supervising employees in the traveler’s check area.