Mark Wetsch:

The Journey from Care-Giver to Convicted Felon

Biographical Background

Mark Wetsch's life revolved around caring for others—as a father striving to provide opportunities and endless support to his three children, and as a registered nurse directing a long-term care facility. Eventually, however, his life began to fall apart as these two roles collided. As a result of a salient character flaw, Wetsch became lost in a world of materialism, without regard for the long-term consequences for himself, his family, or others. He submited false nursing supply invoices from a fictitious company he created and cashed them through a bogus account he set up at a bank. His fraudulent scheme worked so flawlessly that he continued to submit false invoices to himself every week for eight years. As a result of his criminal actions, Wetsch embezzled a total of $1.4 million.

Initially, Wetsch was so self-absorbed that he went years without giving his crime or the potential consequences a second thought. His initial response once he realized the severity of his wrongdoing was to escape his failures through alcohol. Wetsch also had a plan in the event he was caught— suicide. Both of these reactions enabled him to continue embezzling money without regard for the consequences.

When Wetsch did consider quitting this fraud, his materialism tied him to his criminal conduct. He told himself repeatedly: just one more time. Eventually, the decision to end his embezzlement scheme no longer belonged to Wetsch. One day his supervisor questioned an invoice from Wetsch's fraudulent medical supply company; soon the entire scheme unraveled. Thereafter, Wetsch pled guilty to four counts of mail fraud and the federal district court sentenced him to 46 months in federal prison.   

Accepting responsibility for his criminal acts is now important to Wetsch, as is his desire for others to learn from his mistakes. Consequently, he makes appearances with the former Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted him, Hank Shea. Shea is a Fellow at the University of St. Thomas Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership in the Professions and has developed a program exploring the lessons we can learn from common themes leading to white collar crimes.

Lessons to be Learned from Wetsch

Wetsch wants others to understand that they do in fact have the ultimate control and responsibility over their actions. He strongly believes that engaging in rational thinking provides individuals the opportunity to see how their feelings and actions are a result of their beliefs, thoughts and attitudes. Exploring one's beliefs and logically thinking through the potential consequences of a decision will prevent him/her from destructive behavior patterns that can lead to criminal behavior and destroy lives.

To schedule a presentation with Hank Shea and Mark Wetsch, please contact: hjshea@stthomas.edu.