Bank Fraud Scheme Uncovered in Zapata, Texas
LAREDO, Texas – In a shocking case of embezzlement, two women have pleaded guilty to a long-running bank fraud scheme targeting Zapata National Bank (ZNB).
Petra Del Bosque, 54, a former employee of Zapata National Bank, and Anita Arredondo, 53, a clerk for a Zapata-based construction company, have both been convicted of embezzling money. Del Bosque entered her plea last month, while Arredondo entered her plea this morning.
According to the investigation, Arredondo issued numerous false company checks made payable to contractors who had not performed the work that was the alleged basis for the checks. Arredondo then forged the signatures of the contractors and delivered the checks to Del Bosque at ZNB. Del Bosque pocketed the money and split the proceeds of the fraud with Arredondo.
The scheme lasted for two years, resulting in a loss of over $800,000. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo accepted the pleas and has set sentencing for April 28, 2015. At that time, each faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million fine.
The FBI investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Johnson and Sanjeev Bhasker are prosecuting the case.
As the Grimy Times continues to expose cases of financial crimes, it is clear that the public trust is being repeatedly broken. The harsh penalties for these crimes serve as a reminder of the gravity of such offenses and the need for accountability.
Stay tuned for further updates on this and other cases of financial crimes in the upcoming issues of Grimy Times.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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