Former executive pleads guilty to embezzlement

A former executive of a Newport Beach-based video game company pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to mail fraud and embezzlement from the company.

Christian Chatterjee, 39, the former Crave Entertainment senior vice president of Information Technology and Operations swindled the company out of about $297,531, prosecutors said. During his time there, Chatterjee was responsible for the distribution of gaming systems and oversaw the operation of the company's computers systems.

Chatterjee embezzled money from Crave Entertainment throughout last year using invoices from fake companies he made up, prosecutors said. When Crave Entertainment auditors discovered the questionable activity they alerted the FBI, prosecutor said.

Chatterjee faces a maximum of 40 years in federal prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000. He could face less time if he continues to cooperate with investigators, prosecutors said. Chatterjee is expected to be sentenced Oct. 1.

As part of the plea agreement, Chatterjee will surrender the embezzled money and software, prosecutors said.

— Kelly Strodl