Two years ago, AEA Federal Credit Union's future looked bleak asit nearly succumbed to the greed of a lending officer who took thecooperative to the brink of collapse.

It was in December 2010 when the NCUA stepped in to place the$231 million Yuma, Ariz., credit union into conservatorship afteran 11-month FBI investigation revealed that William Liddle, who worked as vice president of businessservices, was the mastermind behind the approval of business loansin an apparent kickback scheme.

During his time at the credit union, Liddle approved more than$25 million in business loans, according to an indictment from aPhoenix federal grand jury. Liddle, along with his wife Rhonda, andFrank Ruiz, an Arizona businessman, were arrested Dec. 2, 2010for their roles in approving questionable AEA business loans inexchange for nearly $1 million, according to the Arizona Office ofthe United States Attorney.