Ms. Sylvia Ochoa was the manager of a Bank of America branch in downtown Fresno.
Allegedly during 2013, Ms. Ochoa often entered the bank vault after other employees left for the day and removed cash without authorization. Ms. Ochoa used the money to purchase items for herself and her boyfriend, including designer handbags and a truck she purchased for $24,000.00. Ms. Ochoa allegedly transferred at least $69,000.00 of Bank of America’s money into her boyfriend’s bank account.
According to court documents Ms. Ochoa allegedly admitted she embezzled at least $100,000.00 from Bank of America during her time of employment.
Monies in bank vaults tend to be secure and closely tracked. The ability for Ms. Ochoa to enter the bank vault while alone is uncommon. It is often required two individuals be present to access bank vaults for vault counts and balancing.
A bank should update internal controls to include such measures as surprise vault counts by independent and rotating personnel. Having the contents of the vault verified on a consistent basis will also mitigate future cash thefts.
Photo by Connor Scott McManus
