Miami-Dade County, Florida — A former Miami-Dade bank employee has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $500,000 from a disabled woman by allegedly abusing his position of trust and access to her financial information, according to prosecutors.
Authorities say Mario Martinez, 40, previously worked at a Bank of America branch in Kendall and held a senior role as a supervisory financial service adviser. Prosecutors allege Martinez exploited a 47-year-old woman who relies on a specialized mobility device and full-time caregivers, after she received a sizable inheritance.
The investigation began Jan. 16 after a Bank of America supervisor reported suspicious account activity involving one of its employees and a client. Detectives say Martinez opened a joint investment account with the victim without her knowledge and transferred funds from her personal investment account into the joint account for his own use. Investigators determined that Martinez was not authorized to open or manage client investment accounts and that the victim did not approve or understand the transactions.
According to arrest records, Martinez also visited the victim’s home multiple times and allegedly requested a $120,000 loan, claiming financial hardship. Bank records later showed that money was deposited into an account belonging to Martinez’s daughter. Prosecutors further allege Martinez attempted to contact the victim after the scheme was uncovered, leading to an additional charge of witness tampering.
Martinez faces multiple felony charges, including organized fraud, grand theft, and exploitation of a disabled person. He is being held without bond.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
