In a recent turn of events, Amaris Marie Delapena, a Windermere attorney, stands convicted on multiple counts of wire fraud and bank fraud. According to a statement released by the United States Attorney's Office, a federal jury found Delapena guilty of 15 wire fraud and 22 counts of bank fraud. These convictions carry a severe weight of up to 30 years in federal prison for each bank fraud count and up to 20 years for each wire fraud count, cumulatively spelling out a possible life-altering sentence for Delapena come February 19, 2025.
Throughout a four-day trial, evidence and testimony pieced together the case against Delapena, revealing a scheme of re-routing checks and illicitly directing funds from client payments. With a deceitful hand, while employed as a paralegal, she maneuvered the flow of money from law firm clients and vendors into personal accounts she controlled. However, the testimonies detailed the nature of her fraud, earning a law degree and becoming a licensed attorney in Florida managed Delapena between the time of her offenses and the trial.
The United States Secret Service spearheaded the investigation that led to a guilty verdict, with Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate prosecuting the case. Delapena’s fraudulent wire transfers and check deposits revealed a paralegal-turned-attorney betraying trust and using insider knowledge for personal gain.
With the conviction finalized, attention now turns to Delapena's sentencing hearing scheduled for early next year, where she will face the consequences of her actions.
