A former Mississippi credit union executive has been hit with a federal lawsuit accusing her of misappropriating $95 million from her financial institution, which she allegedly used on real estate purchases and luxury items.
WAPT.com reports the lawsuit filed by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) alleges that Leigh Bridges, the former president and CEO of Jackson Area Federal Credit Union (JAFCU), admitted using the financial institution’s funds for personal use while concealing her transactions with fake entries. This occurred between Jan. 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
The lawsuit claims Bridges used the pilfered funds to renovate and furnish her home in Jackson, Mississippi, with fine art and a Steinway piano. She is also accused of using the JAFCU funds to buy two additional properties in the state and a third in Alabama.
The lawsuit alleges Bridges spent JAFCU money on two vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Porsche of Jackson; she also acquired a Tesla. Other funds were used to acquire jewelry and luxury handbags, with additional money funneled into a Coinbase Global account.
Bridges is also accused of transferring funds to her husband Chad Bridges’ personal credit union account, which the lawsuit claimed that she controlled. As of last month, Chad Bridges’ account held $1.38 million; it is now frozen pending the lawsuit’s outcome.
The 21-page complaint accused Bridges of eight counts, including false misrepresentation, conversion of credit union funds, and fraudulent transfers. Her husband is also accused of false transfers, and he was dismissed from his executive role at the Mississippi Insurance Department.
The NCUA filed a civil lawsuit, and it is unclear whether criminal charges will follow. The credit union is seeking a jury trial and the return of all misappropriated funds.
Bridges’ attorney did not offer a comment on the lawsuit.
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