A former staffer for Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the theft of funds from her previous employer. Courtney Hruska, age 40, admitted to siphoning more than $20,000 from the congresswoman's bank account to cover her own mounting credit card expenses.

Felony Wire Fraud Admission

Court Proceedings in Virginia

Hruska entered her guilty plea on Tuesday during a hearing held in Alexandria, Virginia. She admitted to committing felony wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema is scheduled to sentence Hruska in June. While the charge is serious, legal experts suggest Hruska is likely to receive a sentence significantly less than the maximum term.

History with Congresswoman Kaptur

Trusted Position and Access

Although court filings do not name the victim, records confirm Hruska worked for Rep. Kaptur. Hruska served in Kaptur's Washington, D.C. office from 2015 until early 2022.

Her roles evolved from office scheduler and manager to administrative director. Court documents indicate the congresswoman gave Hruska access to her personal credit card and bank information for authorized official purchases.

Transition After Employment

Following her departure from Kaptur's office in early 2022, Hruska secured a new position with the United States Department of Agriculture, reportedly with the victim's assistance.

The Scheme and Discovery

Unauthorized Transfers

More than a year after leaving the congressional office, Hruska began illegally transferring funds. According to an admitted statement of facts, she wired money from the congresswoman's account directly to pay down her personal credit card bills.

Between August 2023 and July 2024, Hruska executed 10 separate transfers, accumulating a total theft of nearly $23,000.

Motive and Deception

Hruska reportedly told prosecutors she believed she would not be caught. This belief stemmed from her knowledge that the congresswoman was not technologically proficient and did not utilize electronic banking, thus avoiding real-time payment alerts.

The scheme unraveled in late 2024 when the congresswoman discovered irregularities after a personal check she issued was returned due to insufficient funds.

False Accusations

Initially, Hruska denied responsibility for the missing funds. The statement of facts reveals she repeatedly insisted to both state and federal investigators, as well as the victim, that "hackers from the dark web" must have been responsible for the unauthorized wires.

The filing explicitly notes, "In truth, these repeated claims were false, and the defendant knew they were false."