Dave Matthews Band Violinist Lost $400K in Embezzlement Plot
The personal assistant and financial manager to Dave Matthews Band violinist Boyd Tinsley has admitted to embezzling more than $400,000 from the musician from 2009 through 2012. Getty Andrew Rothenberg, a friend to Tinsley for at least 20 years, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a Charlottesville federal court yesterday, reports the Associated Press.
Rothenberg’s responsibilities as Tinsley’s financial manager included directing investments as well as making sure the artist’s personal bills and expenses were honored. Rothenberg was paid $50,ooo a year by Tinsley, and his salary was later increased to $60,000. Rothenberg also handled the financials for Tinsley’s wife.
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From 2009 to 2012, Rothenberg padded the musician’s bills and took the excess money, wrote himself checks from Tinsley, accessed lines of credit under Tinsley’s name and withdrew cash from multiple accounts. On February 21st, 2012, Rothenberg obtained $45,596, while other transactions ranged between $1200 and $14,000.
Tinsley discovered the missing funds in 2012 and confronted Rothenberg. U.S. Attorney Timothy Heaphy commended Tinsley for coming forward with the information. “This was a case he initiated — that when he discovered the fraud, he came forward,” Heaphy said.
Rothenberg’s sentencing is scheduled for September 17th; he faces up to 30 years in prison.