CHICAGO - The former chief financial officer of a staffing firm in Chicago was sentenced to over two years in prison for embezzling more than $510,000.

What we know:

Charles Nelson, 67, pleaded guilty last year to a federal wire fraud charge.

Nelson, while employed in the firm's Chicago office in 2018 and 2019, carried out a scheme to misuse company funds for personal gain. Nelson began by buying meals and travel purchases before moving to bigger items such as jewelry, gold and home renovations.

Investigators said he spent company money on high-end items such as Cartier and Rolex watches, a diamond bracelet and expensive household appliances.

To carry out the scheme, Nelson is accused of bypassing several internal financial safeguards.

On Aug. 4, Nelson was sentenced to 27 months

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