A woman and a man have been arrested on charges of embezzling over $1 million from a real estate firm in Del Mar, as reported by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. The woman had been a dedicated employee of the real estate company for more than 25 years before her termination in 2021. The company owns an apartment complex located in the 2800 block of Camino Del Mar.

The embezzlement was first brought to the Sheriff's attention in late 2021, prompting an investigation by the Fraud/Elder Abuse Unit. It was during this investigation that it became clear the discharged property manager exploited the company's accounting records to conceal the misappropriated funds.

On Wednesday, Julie Blease (DOB 6/6/1970) was apprehended at her San Diego residence and taken into custody. She now faces multiple charges, including embezzlement, identity theft, forgery, and money laundering, with additional white-collar crime enhancement. The following day, in the City of Poway, Colin Miller (DOB 08/29/1966) was arrested. Miller has been charged with grand theft, identity theft, forgery, and money laundering, along with a white-collar crime enhancement.

These white-collar crime enhancements have serious implications for both Blease and Miller, as they increase the penalties for felony fraud cases.