Thursday, Feb. 07, 2013

Ex-Los Banos Property Management Services worker arrested in fraud

A nearly six-month investigation at a real estate office has led to an arrest on embezzlement charges, police said.

Angela Mays, 48, of Los Banos, was arrested Jan. 31 at a hotel in Blythe on suspicion of embezzlement and forgery against Los Banos Property Management Services.

Police said business owner Tom Kaljian filed a report in August accusing his former property manager of embezzlement.

Police said detectives discovered several business checks made out to Mays, all of which had forged signatures. Police allege Mays also used money stolen from the business to purchase a vehicle.

Police believe Mays embezzled under $4,000.

When detectives attempted to contact Mays, they learned she had moved out of Los Banos. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant and, after several months of searching, Mays was located in Blythe.

The Blythe Police Department arrested Mays and transported her back to Merced County on Feb. 1.

Mays is at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility pending $154,000 bail.

"Our detectives spent a lot of time making a good case against this suspect," Cmdr. Ray Reyna Jr. said.