A Cuban woman was arrested this Wednesday by the Hialeah police, facing multiple charges including fraud and check forgery at a local bank branch. The arrest follows an investigation dating back to last year.
According to authorities, the accused and her accomplice—a man who was detained in January this year—deposited around 30 fraudulent checks at an Ocean Bank branch.
The 54-year-old Cuban woman, identified as Belkis Mora Suárez, opened a bank account at the Ocean Bank located on Seventh Avenue and West 49th Street in Hialeah. Within just three days, she deposited 33 fake checks via mobile electronic deposits and an ATM. In total, she withdrew nearly $9,000 in January 2022.
Immediately, the operations office of Ocean Bank contacted her to obtain information about the transactions. The woman claimed that her nephew had stolen her credentials and that she would visit the bank in person. However, she never did and also failed to respond to multiple communications sent to her.
The bank then contacted the Hialeah police, and investigators obtained surveillance videos and copies of the transactions. This allowed them to determine that the implicated woman was acting in complicity with a man identified as Omar García Toro, who, according to the police report, has a lengthy history of fraudulent activities.
The man was arrested and charged with the crimes. However, when the police tried to locate Belkis Mora Suárez, she no longer resided at the registered address. She was later found at a friend's house in Miami Gardens.
The Cuban woman appeared in court this Wednesday, charged with check forgery, third-degree theft, and organized fraud scheme. She was ordered to stay away from all Ocean Bank branches in Miami-Dade County. Additionally, she was set a bail of $9,000, even though the prosecution considered the amount “too lenient.”
Ocean Bank recovered $5,970.69 and currently faces a loss of $2,967.81. As of the closing of this article, the Cuban woman remains in TGK Jail.
Details on the Arrest and Fraud Case in Hialeah
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the recent arrest and fraud case involving Belkis Mora Suárez and Ocean Bank.
Who is Belkis Mora Suárez?
Belkis Mora Suárez is a 54-year-old Cuban woman who was arrested for depositing fraudulent checks at an Ocean Bank branch in Hialeah.
How much money did she withdraw using the fake checks?
She withdrew nearly $9,000 using the fake checks deposited in January 2022.
What charges is she facing?
Belkis Mora Suárez is facing charges of check forgery, third-degree theft, and organized fraud scheme.
What was the bail amount set for her?
Her bail was set at $9,000, although the prosecution considered this amount too lenient.