ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal jury has convicted Amaris Marie Delapena, 50, of Windermere, on 15 counts of wire fraud and 22 counts of bank fraud for embezzling funds while working as a paralegal at an Orlando law firm, prosecutors announced Friday.
Delapena, who faces up to 30 years in prison for each count of bank fraud and 20 years for each count of wire fraud, is scheduled to be sentenced on February 19, 2025.
During the four-day trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing that Delapena rerouted checks and payments from law firm clients and vendors into accounts under her control. She also transferred client funds from the firm’s accounts to her own, using illegal wire transfers and fraudulent check deposits to carry out the scheme.
Notably, after committing the offenses but before her trial, Delapena earned a law degree and became a licensed attorney in Florida.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate.