Florida Condo Association President Charged for Theft

A 58 year-old woman who was the secretary and president of a condo association in Pembroke Pines, Florida for two years until December 2010 was recently charged with stealing the association's funds. The woman, N.M., was arrested for grand theft and committing fraud against the homeowners of the 66 unit building. As president of the association, she was in charge of its funds, through access to a debit card and bank accounts from which she transferred association money into her own personal bank account. She used the funds to pay for personal items and gambling trips to a casino. The arrest record alleges that she stole more than $148,000 from the association during her reign as president.

Condo association board members began to notice discrepancies in its accounts after the woman was replaced as president. They alerted local police who began an investigation that lasted two years and resulted in the criminal charges. During that time, due to a shortage of association funds, the association was unable to pay many of its expenses and racked up debts. Only recently has the association begun to climb out of the red, according to board members. In the meantime, their former president has admitted that she took money from the condo association, commingled it with her own, and gambled with it. As a white collar crime, this type of fraud is taken very seriously by the courts in Florida and is typically charged as a felony.

Criminal Defense Firm in Miami, Florida

Many types of fraud are defined under state and federal law, including credit card fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, forgery, health care or health insurance fraud, Social Security fraud, welfare fraud, investment fraud, Ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, internet auction fraud, mortgage fraud, and more. All of these crimes are prosecuted vigorously by state and federal agencies anxious to make a conviction with tough penalties involved. Those facing any type of fraud charge stand to have their reputation destroyed as well as face potential jail or prison time, heavy fines, and restitution.

Those facing fraud or any other type of criminal charges in and around the Miami area can turn to the aggressive and competent criminal defense firm of Seltzer Law, PA.. The firm is available to help you 24/7, providing legal service in both English and Spanish. Due to its proven track record and the quality of its legal service, the firm has been recognized by Super Lawyers and has earned an Avvo "Excellent" rating. It has also been featured in such news media as Fox News and The Miami Herald. Contact the firm's offices for a free consultation concerning your criminal case immediately following an arrest or if you are being investigated by any law enforcement agency. Learn what your legal options are and how an experienced attorney can defend you.