Ronald Machen, the US attorney for the District of Columbia, filed criminal charges against certified public accountant Bryan Polozola, who is based in Richardson, TX.

The SEC issued subpoenas last year to BDO and Polozola, who was responsible for auditing several hedge funds managed by an investment advisor that is currently under investigation, the filings state. The audits are a key component of the Commission’s inquiry and Polozola gave testimony regarding his role, according to a statement.

During his testimony Polozola claimed he was unaware of a $49,350 payment made on his behalf to a former employer, but had in fact directed his attorney to make the payment as reimbursement for funds he had allegedly taken for personal use, the SEC says.

The Honorable Robert Wilkins scheduled a sentencing hearing for 26 March 2012.