In August, a jury found Lester guilty on all seven counts charged in the indictment. According to evidence presented at trial, Lester embezzled and stole money from his former employers, Century Builders and Highlands Energy Services, between August 2010 and January 2012 while he served in supervising positions in the accounting department, including chief financial officer.  

In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd ordered Lester to pay $306,319 in restitution to the companies.

“Financial crimes are a concern in every type and size of business, and sadly it often involved the most trusted individuals,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, a special agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in San Francisco. “The crimes not only rob businesses of vital revenue, but they also undermine the trust of employees and customers alike.”