You Can't Find Rocket Engines At Wal-Mart...

And they say government jobs don't pay. Fifty-two-year-old Elizabeth Ann Osborne of Orlando, FL managed to rack up a total of $157,384.21 in fraudulent expenses using NASA money.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Osborne pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to embezzling money from the space agency, her employer for the past 31 years.

Court documents described her job as outfitting the living quarters of astronauts' families and dignitaries. Instead, Osborne preferred to use her NASA-issued credit card to shop for herself. She then edited receipts and records to cover up the transactions.

As the Orlando Sentinel reported, when NASA reviewed purchases made by Osborne from January 2001 to November 2005, 426 fraudulent purchases were discovered. Most purchases were made at Best Buy, Sears, Lowes, and Wal-Mart. Osborne used the card an astonishing 127 times at Wal-Mart, buying groceries and gift cards. According to Osborne's plea agreement, the total at that store alone was $51,000.

Osborne did not stop there, however. Court documents show she also used her NASA money to buy a new air conditioner for her house, artwork, a bed, and hotel rooms for friends and family.

Osborne's attorney, Robert Leventhal, told the Orlando Sentinel his client has been "fully cooperative" with NASA investigators, and said "she has let herself, her family and NASA down and for that, she is remorseful and continues to do what is right to make amends for her misconduct." 

According to the Sentinel, Osborne may have to serve up to 10 years in prison, pay a fine of up to $250,000, and remain under supervision for three years after her release. Of course, she will also be required to pay back NASA in full.

FMI: www.nasa.gov