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CU Manager Allegedly Embezzled $1.18M
Marlene Pena Indicted On 25 Federal Counts Of Embezzlement
POSTED: 10:27 am MST July 8,
2009
UPDATED: 4:12 pm MST July 8,
2009
PHOENIX -- The manager of a now-defunct Arizona credit union is accused of embezzling $1.18 million, which the government says caused or contributed to the credit union's failure.Marlene Aguilera Pena was indicted Tuesday on 25 federal counts of embezzlement by an employee of a lending, credit or financial institution, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Phoenix.The 45-year-old Globe resident is accused of taking the money from the Marian Miami Federal Credit Union of Miami between July 2004 and July 2006.The indictment alleges that through her access to the credit union's computer system, Pena created approximately 141 fictitious loans and fraudulently issued loan proceeds checks to her friends and family members.Pena misappropriated approximately $1.18 million, according to the indictment, a sum that caused, or contributed to, the failure of the credit union."Credit unions provide a financial backbone for small communities all over Arizona," said U.S. Attorney Diane J. Humetewa. "Allegations of theft will be thoroughly investigated and those responsible will be appropriately charged."A conviction for each of these offenses is punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
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