A veteran bank employee at a billion-dollar US financial institution is accused of manipulating the lender’s systems to steal thousands from customers’ accounts.
Sherry Manz, 54, of Knoxville, has been charged with four counts of forgery and one count of theft after allegedly withdrawing a total of $8,450 from multiple customer accounts while working as a teller at a Fifth Third Bank branch, reports WATE 6 News.
Investigators claim the illicit activity occurred between September 17 and October 17, 2025.
Prosecutors say Manz used her position to complete unauthorized withdrawals by forging customer signatures on withdrawal slips.
Surveillance footage shows her counting the money and putting it in her pocket instead of giving it back to the customer during at least one transaction.
Manz later allegedly admitted to a federal criminal prosecutor that she had filled out the forms and told investigators she was “practicing,” according to charging documents.
If Manz is convicted on the current charges, there could be significant legal ramifications, although the extent of possible penalties will be determined as the prosecution and defense present their cases.
Local law enforcement and prosecutors in Knox County continue to emphasize the importance of robust internal audit mechanisms and constant vigilance to detect and deter financial misconduct within banking institutions.
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