A 40-year-old former Bank of America employee, Mario Martinez, was arrested in southwest Miami-Dade on charges of exploiting a disabled victim and stealing $500,000, officials confirmed.
Charges Filed Against Martinez
Martinez faces multiple serious charges, including elderly exploitation, organized fraud, and first-degree grand theft.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, authorities began investigating the case on January 16 after a tip-off from the Bank of America branch in southwest Miami-Dade.
The tip came from a supervisor who reported suspicious activity involving one of his employees.
The Scheme Uncovered
The arrest affidavit reveals that Martinez had been stealing money from a disabled client, with whom he held a joint account—without her knowledge.
He transferred funds from the victim’s account into his own, without obtaining her consent.
Victim’s Story and Martinez’s Deception
The victim, a 42-year-old woman who relies on a motorized wheelchair for mobility, had known Martinez since 2016. He had previously helped her open at least one bank account.
According to Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the woman had received an inheritance but was unsure how to manage the money.
Martinez told her he could assist her with the investment and management of her funds, claiming to be a financial advisor—a claim that was later disproven.
Bank of America Investigation and Discovery
In December 2024, Bank of America launched an internal investigation into Martinez’s activities. Upon discovering the unauthorized transactions, the bank informed both the victim and authorities.
Bank officials revealed that Martinez had exploited the victim’s trust and his position within the bank to misappropriate a total of $500,000.
Investigators also discovered that Martinez had the knowledge to bypass bank security alerts and internal systems, allowing him to evade detection for some time.
Martinez Arrested
Once the scheme was exposed, the victim and the bank promptly reported the fraudulent actions to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, leading to Martinez’s arrest.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation.
Martinez’s actions, though calculated and deceitful, were eventually uncovered due to the combined efforts of the victim, Bank of America, and law enforcement.
This case serves as a reminder of the need for stronger safeguards and oversight in financial institutions to prevent such fraudulent activities.
