Orlando, Florida — Amaris Marie Delapena, a 50-year-old woman from Windermere, Florida, has been convicted by a federal jury on multiple counts of wire fraud and bank fraud. Delapena faces serious prison time, with potential sentences of up to 30 years for each count of bank fraud and up to 20 years for each count of wire fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for February 19, 2025.
The charges stem from Delapena’s role as a paralegal at a law firm in Orlando, where she orchestrated a fraudulent scheme to embezzle funds. Evidence presented during her four-day trial revealed that Delapena illegally rerouted checks and conducted wire transfers that diverted funds from law firm clients and vendors into accounts she controlled. She also transferred client payments from the firm’s account to her personal accounts.
Remarkably, Delapena continued to pursue her legal career during the period of the alleged crimes. Between the time of her offenses and her trial, she earned a law degree and became a licensed attorney in Florida.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate. Delapena’s sentencing will take place in 2025, where she faces substantial prison time for her actions.