A former audit partner of BDO USA has pleaded guilty to lying to the SEC enforcement staff during investigative testimony. CPA Bryan N. Polozola of Richardson, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to government officials when he denied knowing of a payment made to his former employer for funds he had allegedly taken for his personal use.

Sentencing was scheduled for March 26.

Polozola's Linkedin page says he was assurance senior manager at BDO from March 2008 through July 2010 and assurance partner from July 2010 through September 2011. He was senior manager at Rothstein Kass & Co. from 2004 through 2008. At BDO, Polozola was responsible for auditing several hedge funds managed by an investment advisor who was under investigation by the SEC. During the inquiry, Polozola was questioned about his role in the audit process and to determine his credibility.

He was subject to a 2005 NASD proceeding alleging that he took $49,350 in funds from a former employer for his personal use. He neither admitted nor denied the allegations in consenting to a bar from associating with any NASD firm. He was controller at E*Trade Professional Trading from 2000 through 2004. When questioned in September he testified he was unaware of the money being repaid on his behalf. In fact, the payment was made by Polozola's attorney at his direction and from Polozola's funds.