Adriana Granados, Embezzlement, Texas 2019

Embezzlement Scandal Rocks Houston Bank

A 38-year-old ex-employee of a local bank in Houston has pleaded guilty to embezzlement, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Adriana Granados, aka Adriana Canas, pleaded guilty today to one count of embezzling from her former employer.

According to the plea agreement, Granados was employed as an executive assistant in the bank's Business Development Department and was responsible for submitting expenses account statements for corporate credit cards issued to her and other bank employees for business expenses incurred for the bank.

Without the bank's knowledge or consent, Granados used her corporate credit card and the cards of other employees to charge personal expenses.

Sentencing has been set for October 16, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas. At that time, Granados faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.

Granados was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.

Granados' actions have left a trail of financial devastation for her former employer. The full extent of the embezzlement scheme is still under investigation.

The case highlights the importance of internal controls and oversight in preventing white-collar crimes like embezzlement.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/former-bank-employee-admits-role-embezzlement-scam