California man charged with stealing $2.3 million from employer

Christopher William Edward Abplanalp, a 38-year-old former executive at Wilson Trophy, has been charged with stealing more than $2.3 million from the Placer County business between 2023 and 2025.

Prosecutors allege that Abplanalp diverted funds from the company’s online payment processing system to his personal accounts, friends, or acquaintances to fuel a gambling habit. The scheme reportedly involved charging clients' credit cards for nonexistent invoices, directing clients to pay him directly, and instructing vendors to issue refunds to his personal account. He is also accused of altering or deleting entries in the company’s accounting software to hide the activity.

Wilson Trophy, a family-owned business that sells trophies, plaques, and rings, employs approximately a dozen people. Jesse Loomis, the company’s chief administrative officer, stated that the alleged conduct has caused profound financial and personal harm to the business and its employees. Abplanalp faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine following his scheduled arraignment on Sept. 8.