A Lake St. Louis woman has been charged in federal court with allegedly embezzling approximately $1.2 million from her employer over a period spanning more than seven years.
Kari Bertels, 44, was indicted April 29 in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on five counts of wire fraud. She surrendered to authorities Monday, made her initial court appearance, and entered a not guilty plea.
According to the indictment, Bertels is accused of using a company-issued credit card to make unauthorized purchases for herself and family members between Oct. 9, 2018, and Jan. 12, 2026…