$2.8M embezzled from HOA: After two-year investigation, former Woodlake manager charged, booked for theft; pleads not guilty
By Samantha Weigel Daily JournalAfter a nearly two-year investigation, the former manager of the Woodlake Homeowners Association was booked into county jail Wednesday for allegedly embezzling nearly $2.8 million from the San Mateo residents’ group.
Susan Marie Lambert, a 64-year-old Fremont resident, has been charged with two felonies for conspiring to defraud the homeowners between Feb. 8, 2007, and September 2013, according to prosecutors.
Lambert’s alleged crimes were discovered after the 990-unit condominium association fired her and uncovered a stack of nearly 150 false invoices for construction work that was never completed, according to prosecutors.
Lambert pleaded not guilty after surrendering in court Wednesday morning and was booked on $1 million bail, according to prosecutors.
The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office filed charges Sept. 1 against Lambert and her alleged co-conspirator Michael Anthony Medeiros, a 58-year-old Fremont man, who has yet to be arrested.
Faced with multiple enhancements, including aggravated white-collar crime, the duo could face nearly six years in prison if convicted, according to prosecutors.
Lambert and Medeiros reportedly conspired together while Lambert was in charge of the association’s finances and Medeiros was the owner of a painting company. Lambert would draft invoices for work, pay Medeiros, who would deposit the check into an account under his control, then split the money with Lambert, according to prosecutors.
“It’s obviously an enormous embezzlement. We certainly don’t see them of this magnitude very often,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Karen Guidotti.
Officials with Woodlake turned information over to San Mateo police, who conducted an investigation before filing a report with the district attorney. Nearly two years passed since Lambert was fired before charges were formally filed.
“I’m very happy that finally justice may be done,” said Steve Davis, a member of the Woodlake Board of Directors. Read more: http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/lnews/2015-09-17/28m-embezzled-from-hoa-after-two-year-investigation-former-woodlake-manager-charged-booked-for-theft-pleads-not-guilty/1776425150295.html
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