A bookkeeper who worked for two Mead, Washington construction and paving companies has admitted in federal court to stealing more than one million dollars from her employer over a span of more than two years. Carol Amatto, who served as bookkeeper and office manager for Hattenburg Excavating Inc. and Hatt Asphalt Inc., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before Judge Rebecca Pennell in Eastern Washington Federal Court on Wednesday. The case draws attention across the Inland Northwest, including communities in North Idaho and Kootenai County, where many residents work for or do business with contractors and small companies that rely on trusted employees to handle their finances.
Background: Nine Years of Trust, Two Years of Theft
According to the businesses, Amatto had worked for Hattenburg Excavating Inc. and Hatt Asphalt Inc. for nine years before the theft was discovered. The companies are based in Mead, Washington, just west of the Idaho state line and within the broader Spokane-Coeur d’Alene regional economy that many Kootenai County residents are part of daily.
Court documents confirm that the unlawful taking of funds occurred between July 2023 and October 2025, with the total amount reaching $1,067,660.99. Amatto admitted that the stolen money was spent on gambling and other personal expenses. According to court records, she returned more than $80,000 to the business — a fraction of the total amount taken.
The case is a stark reminder of the vulnerability small and mid-sized businesses face when a trusted employee gains access to company finances over an extended period. For employers in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Rathdrum, and across Kootenai County who rely on bookkeepers and office managers to handle payroll and accounts, the case underscores the importance of internal financial controls and regular audits.
Key Details of the Federal Guilty Plea
Amatto entered her guilty plea to one count of wire fraud, a federal charge that carries significant prison time. The plea was entered in Eastern Washington Federal Court before Judge Rebecca Pennell. Wire fraud charges in federal court typically carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison per count, though actual sentencing depends on federal guidelines, restitution agreements, and other factors determined by the presiding judge.
The businesses told KREM 2 News directly about Amatto’s length of employment and her role within the company. Her position as both bookkeeper and office manager gave her broad access to company financial accounts over her nine-year tenure — access that prosecutors say she ultimately abused for personal gain.
Cases like this one are being tracked by legal observers throughout Idaho. For more on how courts across the region are handling serious criminal matters, readers can follow coverage of high-profile cases such as the convicted killer of Idaho victim Linda Strait, who recently skipped a parole hearing, and other developments being reported across the state.
Impact on Kootenai County and North Idaho Residents
While the case originated in Mead, Washington, it resonates throughout the greater Spokane-North Idaho region. Hattenburg Excavating Inc. and Hatt Asphalt Inc. operate in the construction and paving industry — sectors that are active throughout Kootenai County, including in Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, and Post Falls, where infrastructure and development projects are ongoing.
Small business owners throughout North Idaho and the Idaho Panhandle often face similar risks. Embezzlement by trusted employees can devastate companies that operate on tight margins, and the financial harm done here — over one million dollars — would be catastrophic for many regional employers. Losses of this scale can cost jobs, delay projects, and leave business owners with years of financial recovery ahead.
The Idaho News Network continues to track fraud and court cases affecting the Inland Northwest. Additional coverage of criminal proceedings across the state is available at IdahoNewsNetwork.com, including reporting on other serious cases moving through the court system.
What Comes Next
Carol Amatto’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 6 at 10 a.m. in Spokane. Judge Rebecca Pennell will preside over the hearing. At that time, the court will determine Amatto’s sentence based on federal guidelines, the amount of financial harm caused, and any restitution arrangements. The businesses have confirmed that more than $80,000 has already been returned, leaving well over $980,000 still unaccounted for in terms of repayment.
Business owners in Kootenai County and across North Idaho who want to protect themselves from similar risks are encouraged to consult with financial or legal professionals about implementing internal controls, regular third-party audits, and dual-authorization requirements for financial transactions.