MEDLEY, FLA. (WSVN) – A mom and her son had been walked out in handcuffs after being accused by police of embezzling greater than $620,000 from a enterprise in Medley to fund a luxurious life-style.
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Iron Illusion,” began in April 2025 after a report of monetary fraud at Iron Container Holdings.
The enterprise manufactures metallic containers and dumpsters.
On Wednesday night, staff advised 7News that they had no remark.
Detectives stated that the scheme occurred between 2020 and 2025, with cash disguised in firm information as miscellaneous bills.
Investigators stated that the corporate president, Maria Rodriguez, was entrusted with the group’s monetary accounts, bank cards, information, and payroll.
They allege she used that entry to purchase luxurious gadgets to learn herself and her son, Miguel Antonio Perez.
“The company began noticing financial losses, and they began investigating where these losses came from,” stated Medley Police Department Officer Andres Oviedo. “They did subpoena credit card records, payroll records, and different types of records that relate to Maria and her son.”
Officers stated that firm cash was used for a Brickell residence, luxurious car leases, yachts, and designer clothes.
“The Medley Police Department wants to make clear that if you want to live a life of luxury, you live it clean,” stated Oviedo.
They additionally stated that the alleged scheme went past bank card purchases, with Perez being employed as a safety guard making $42,000 a 12 months.
However, detectives stated his wage was elevated to $114,000, whereas he labored remotely.
Detectives additionally recognized greater than $454,000 in disputed payroll, and 49 situations the place work and health club information allegedly conflicted.
“Right now we’re warning every company to make sure that they are aware of who they can trust in these positions. Everybody that is given access to financial records, payroll, and all these very highly important documents, they need to make sure they are watched, and they are surveyed by their company,” stated Oviedo.
Both are dealing with felony fees, together with grand theft.
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