FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Gauley Bridge woman has pleaded guilty to a federal fraud charge involving the misuse of licensing application fees, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Crystal Renee Severson, 45, pleaded guilty to fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents, features, and information.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Severson was employed as an administrative assistant with the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists from March 28, 2016, to March 16, 2022.
In that role, her duties included receiving applications and fees from individuals seeking licensure as nail technicians.
On or about Jan. 10, 2022, Severson altered a $100 money order submitted by an applicant by removing the original payee’s name and address.
She admitted as part of her plea agreement that she replaced the information with her mother’s name and address and deposited the money order into her personal bank account.
Authorities said her mother was unaware of the alteration and had not given permission for her name to be used.
Severson also admitted to fraudulently depositing 19 additional money orders submitted by applicants between Aug. 21, 2019, and Nov. 23, 2021. In total, the 20 money orders amounted to $1,855.
Severson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2026. She faces up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. She is also required to pay at least $1,855 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Moore Capito announced the plea and commended the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation division and the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan T. Storage. U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing.
