Phoenix Woman Arrested on Suspicion of 1.3 Million Dollar Theft

On Tuesday October 6, 2009 at approximately 10:30 AM, Lorena Laverne Fortuna, 31, was placed under arrest in the area of 24^th St and Indian School Rd, Phoenix on suspicion of committing felony theft and conducting a fraudulent scheme.

Investigation revealed that Fortuna was employed as the Human Resources Manager for Trimedica International located at 1895 S Los Feliz Tempe.  Fortuna was employed by Trimedica from 2000 – 2008. 

From 2000 – 2008 Fortuna increased her pay without permission. The total amount of that theft was found to be $1,120,657.  Fortuna also conducted a fraudulent scheme by placing her boyfriend on the company pay role from 2000-2003 for a total of $181,210.77.  Fortuna’s boyfriend was not an employee of Trimedica.  Fortuna also fraudulently allowed her boyfriend to receive health benefits through the company even though he was not an employee of the company.

Fortuna was interviewed and admitted to all aspects of the theft.  Fortuna also informed Tempe Police Detectives that she controlled all the checking accounts where money was deposited.

Fortuna was booked into Tempe City Jail on one count of Felony Theft (A class two felony) and Fraudulent Schemes (A class two felony).  Fortuna was held to see a judge.

This theft was detected by Trimedica and reported to the Tempe Police Department.  Investigations such as these are very complex.  Considering the large dollar amount and the time period over which the fraud was committed, there was a lot of follow-up investigation to be done.  Tempe Police Detectives spent countless hours bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.  The Tempe Police Department is continually working toward our number one goal of fighting crime, this investigation and subsequent arrest is an excellent example of the quality police services the men and women of our department are providing to our community on a daily basis.

Lorena Fortuna