CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A 49-year-old Hinsdale man will spend 15 months in federal prison after admitting to stealing nearly $345,000 from the small business where he worked for almost two decades.

Michael Darcy was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe in federal court in Concord, according to a news release from the NH Attorney General’s office. In addition to the prison term, Darcy must serve one year of supervised release and repay the business owner the full amount he stole.

Darcy pleaded guilty in July to five counts of bank fraud, acknowledging that he used fraudulent checks to take money from his employer over a period of years.

According to federal court records, Darcy served as the business’s operations manager and sole employee, giving him responsibility for its daily operations and financial affairs.

The scheme began to unravel in late 2024 when the business owner discovered discrepancies in the company’s bank account, including checks made payable to Darcy that had not been authorized.

Investigators determined that Darcy had written fraudulent checks totaling nearly $345,000. He attempted to hide the theft by using misleading descriptions on the checks and altering the company’s accounting records.

Court records also revealed how Darcy used the stolen money. Approximately $142,000 went toward online pornographic chat services, with the remainder spent on other personal expenses.

U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan said Darcy exploited his employer’s trust and manipulated financial records to conceal the theft.

The sentence, she said, underscores that those who steal company funds for personal purposes will face consequences.

FBI Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks described Darcy’s actions as a significant betrayal of his employer, noting that the stolen money represented more than a quarter-million dollars taken to finance personal purchases and pornography.

Docks said the FBI was pleased to see Darcy held accountable, although the financial and emotional damage caused to the victim cannot be undone.

Thomas Demeo, special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Boston Field Office, said the case reflects the agency’s commitment to pursuing financial crimes and helping victims recover their losses.

He said Darcy abused the authority entrusted to him, forged checks and manipulated records for his own financial benefit.

The Hinsdale Police Department, FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Sarah Gaughan handled the prosecution.