Chicago, IL – A former administrative professional for a Chicago-based company has pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge after prosecutors say she embezzled more than $615,000 over an eight-year period.
According to federal prosecutors, Crysta Lyon-Halbert, 54, of Tinley Park, admitted in a plea agreement that she misappropriated company funds from 2015 through 2023 while working in administrative roles within the Corporate Governance department and the Office of the Chief Executive Officer.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, Lyon-Halbert allegedly routed company money to her personal bank account and made unauthorized credit card purchases for her own benefit. Those purchases included rent payments, storage rentals, utility bills, clothing, furniture, car rentals, and auto repairs, among other personal expenses.
Prosecutors said she concealed the theft by falsely claiming the credit card payments were going to legitimate business vendors. The FBI’s Chicago Field Office led the investigation.
Lyon-Halbert pleaded guilty on Nov. 14, 2025, to one count of federal wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo scheduled her sentencing for Feb. 24, 2026, at 2 p.m.
The plea announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Douglas S. DePodesta. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Hennessy is prosecuting the case.
Residents across Chicago and Tinley Park may follow the case closely, as corporate fraud investigations continue to be a priority for federal authorities in Cook County and across northern Illinois.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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