Amaris Marie Delapena, a 50-year-old Windermere attorney, has been found guilty of 15 counts of wire fraud and 22 counts of bank fraud in a federal jury trial in Orlando, Florida.
The trial, which lasted four days, revealed that Delapena used illegal wire transfers and check deposits to embezzle funds during her employment as a paralegal for an Orlando law firm. The fraud centered on re-routing checks from and to law firm clients and vendors into accounts Delapena controlled and transferring client payments from the law firm’s account to accounts Delapena controlled.
According to the evidence and testimony presented during the trial, Delapena’s actions resulted in significant financial losses for her former employer and clients.
Delapena’s crimes were investigated by the United States Secret Service, and she is now facing a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each count of wire fraud.
The sentencing hearing for Delapena is set for February 19, 2025.
Notably, between the time Delapena committed the offenses and her trial, she earned a law degree and became a licensed attorney in Florida.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate.
Related Federal Cases
- Academy Packing Co, Wire Fraud, Michigan 2002 · Alabama
- Willie Weatherspoon, Money Laundering, Florida 2024 · Washington
- Morales Cacique, Money Laundering, Florida 2016 · Washington
- Eugene Fanfan, Tax Evasion, Florida 2016 · California
- Arashio Harris, Wire Fraud, Florida 2023 · Colorado
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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