Judge cancels trial of Augusta couple in assisted living case

A former employee accused of stealing more than $1.5 million from a Wichita company that owns assisted living centers in Kansas and Missouri is expected to plead to charges later this month.

Brent Shryock of Augusta had been scheduled to go to trial Tuesday on mail fraud charges, but notified the court the day before it was to begin that he wanted to change his plea. His hearing is May 13.

It is unclear from court records whether a deal is in the works for his wife, Lori Shryock.

The indictment alleges the crimes were committed while Brent Shryock was employed as information systems director for Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. He was in charge of purchasing equipment.

Prosecutors say the couple created four fictitious companies to submit fraudulent invoices.

This story was originally published May 6, 2015 at 8:37 AM with the headline "Judge cancels trial of Augusta couple in assisted living case."