A Windermere attorney has been convicted of multiple wire and bank fraud charges after she embezzled funds from an Orlando law firm while working as a paralegal.
On Monday, November 25, federal jurors found 50-year-old Amaris Marie Delapena guilty of 15 counts of wire fraud and 22 counts of bank fraud.
According to court records, Delapena used illegal wire transfers and check deposits to embezzle funds during her employment as a paralegal for an unspecified law firm in the Orlando area. This occurred prior to Delapena becoming an attorney.
As a paralegal, Delapena re-routed checks that were written to law firm clients and vendors, as well as checks from the clients and vendors, into accounts that she controlled. She also transferred client payments from the law firm’s account to accounts belonging to her.
Following her employment as a paralegal, Delapena went on to earn a law degree and became a licensed attorney in Florida.
A sentencing hearing for Delapena is scheduled to take place on February 19, 2025. She is facing a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud, and up to 20 years behind bars for each count of wire fraud.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam J. Nate.