Former computer boss at big KC firm faces prison

Customized motorcycles, a boat, a large motor home – working for Clarkson Construction paid well, but not that well.

A former IT boss at the large Kansas City firm admitted Monday in federal court that he embezzled about $300,000 from the company.

Rodney J. Tatum, 42, who pleaded guilty to a mail fraud scheme, worked for Clarkson from 1991 until his indictment this August.

According to a press release from federal prosecutors:

Tatum, a Kansas City man who oversaw all of Clarkson IT activities, ordered at least $306,540 in expensive computer and communications equipment from Oct. 22, 2013 and July 31, 2014.

He bought it with company money and resold it for personal profit. He also defrauded Stedman Motor Sports of Moulton, Ala., out of $6,567 worth of work, causing a total loss of at least $313,107.

During the time of the Clarkson purchases, Tatum’s bank account was credited 57 times from PayPal totaling $269,706. His Facebook page showed big spending that included the motorcycles, boat and motor home.

He could be sentenced later to up to 20 years in federal prison, up to a $250,000 fine and restitution.

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