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Courses/Ethics/Business Ethics

Professional Ethics: The Fruitcake Fraud

Uncover how an unassuming accountant orchestrated a near-$17 million fraud, shattering trust and raising critical questions about ethics and oversight in the corporate world.

Created byGarth Sheriffworkspace_premium
4.9
(109 reviews)
BeginnerUpdated Sep 22, 2025
Professional Ethics: The Fruitcake Fraud

What You'll Learn

check_circleAnalyze the motivations behind the "Fruitcake Fraud."
check_circleIdentify critical opportunities enabling large-scale fraud.
check_circleRecognize common rationalizations used by fraudsters.
check_circleEvaluate internal control weaknesses from a real case.
check_circleSummarize the consequences of financial misconduct.

About This Course

This course examines one of the most unusual occupational fraud cases in recent history—the embezzlement of nearly $17 million from Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana, Texas, by corporate controller Sandy Jenkins and his wife, Kay.

Through detailed analysis of this compelling case study spanning from 2004 to 2013, accounting professionals will explore the elements of the fraud risk triangle: incentive, opportunity, and rationalization. These factors enabled Jenkins to systematically steal from a century-old fruitcake company to fund an extravagant lifestyle, including 38 vehicles, 223 private jet trips, and luxury shopping sprees.

Students will learn to identify behavioral red flags, understand internal control weaknesses—including segregation-of-duties violations—and apply fraud prevention strategies to protect their organizations from similar occupational fraud schemes.

  • Explore the psychological incentives and opportunities that drive individuals to commit fraud, using Sandy Jenkins' personal motivations and the lax internal controls at Collin Street Bakery as a case study.
  • Understand the concept of "rationalization" in fraud, examining the justifications fraudsters create for their illicit actions, even as they indulge in extreme luxury, including private jets, high-end vehicles, and lavish shopping sprees at Neiman Marcus.
  • Learn about the critical importance of robust internal controls and segregation of duties in preventing occupational fraud, highlighted by how simple oversights, such as automatic check sign-offs and unsecured printer access, facilitated millions in theft.
  • Analyze the real-world implications of unethical behavior on individuals, businesses, and communities, and the surprising resilience of a company like Collin Street Bakery in the face of such massive betrayal.

Through this captivating story, you will not only gain a profound understanding of the mechanics of fraud but also appreciate the human element behind ethical breaches. "Professional Ethics: The Fruitcake Fraud" is a must-attend for anyone looking to strengthen their ethical compass and fortify organizations against similar vulnerabilities.

Your Instructors

Garth Sheriff
Garth Sheriff

Founder of Sheriff Consulting

menu_book43 courses
star12,603 reviews

I am the founder of Sheriff Consulting which specializes in the development and delivery of accounting, auditing and foundational skill courses and workshops. Teaching and working with professionals in diverse and dynamic learning environments has been my passion and experience for over 10 years. As a qualified Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA), I work with finance and accounting professionals in both the U.S. and Canada to meet their training and development needs. My goal has always been to create an engaging and interactive learning environment. To help my own path of continual improvement in achieving this goal, I have also received training and worked as a professional actor. I am a member of ACTRA (the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) and a graduate in improvisation from the Second City Training Centre. http://sheriffconsulting.com/

Josh  Sager
Josh Sager

Co-host of The Fraud Complex Podcast

Josh Sager is a co-host of The Fraud Complex podcast, bringing engaging storytelling and analysis to complex fraud cases. His background in performance and communication helps make intricate financial crimes accessible and memorable for professional audiences.

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What Students Are Saying

4.9
Student's Choice
109 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 327+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 29 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.