SAN DIEGO, CA – A Point Loma Credit Union (PLCU) teller admitted today to systematically robbing elderly account holders, pilfering over $117,000 from their savings. Samuel Davalos, Jr., 28, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry M. Kurren, bringing to light a calculated scheme targeting vulnerable seniors.
According to the plea agreement, Davalos worked as a teller at PLCU from July 2017 until March 2019. During that time, he abused his position to process unauthorized withdrawals and create fraudulent checks, diverting funds to himself and a network of accomplices. He didn’t just stumble into these thefts; Davalos actively recruited three individuals to help him cash the checks drawn on his victims’ accounts.
The most chilling aspect of this case? Davalos specifically preyed on older PLCU members. He coldly admitted selecting victims based on their age and perceived vulnerability, believing they’d be less likely to detect the fraudulent activity. This wasn’t a crime of opportunity; it was a calculated assault on those least equipped to defend themselves. The total stolen amounted to $117,305 from four separate PLCU members over several months.
Fortunately, PLCU stepped up and reimbursed its defrauded members for their losses. Davalos, however, will face the consequences. He’s agreed to pay restitution to the credit union and will forfeit funds held in two frozen PLCU accounts – a small recovery of the stolen money. U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer stated, “This defendant used his position of trust to exploit elderly victims because he believed they would be easy to fool. But this office was not fooled.”
The U.S. Secret Service, leading the investigation through its San Diego Field Office, partnered with the San Diego Police Department and Customs and Border Protection to unravel the scheme. Special Agent in Charge James E. Anderson Jr. emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens, stating, “We are committed to aggressively investigating financial crimes cases, especially those that target our most vulnerable citizens.”
Davalos is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Larry Alan Burns. The Southern District of California will determine the appropriate punishment for this brazen betrayal of trust. This case serves as a stark reminder that financial exploitation of the elderly remains a pervasive and devastating crime, and those who commit it will be brought to justice.
Related Federal Cases
- Charles Tony Williamson Sentenced to 110 Months for Bank Fraud, Sea… · Pennsylvania
- James Hector Alcala, Alien Smuggling and Visa Fraud, San Ysidro CA,… · North Carolina
- Fidel Villarreal, Orchestrated $5M Drug Trafficking Ring, San Diego… · Ohio
- Bruce Choi, COVID-19 Relief Fraud, Los Angeles CA, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Irina Segal, Medicare Fraud, Philadelphia PA, 2023 · New Jersey
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
