TUCSON – A federal grand jury has indicted a Tucson couple, Michael Tagle Santos, and Cherry Mae Santos, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.
The government alleges that between 2013 and March 2018, Michael, age 33, and Cherry, age 28, defrauded an elderly, disabled victim by enriching themselves through the victim’s financial accounts while serving as caregivers. They are charged with fraudulently transferring funds from the victim’s account to their own accounts as salary “advances.” The Santoses are also accused of fraudulently transferring additional funds for personal use, while simultaneously paying themselves a salary out of the victim’s account.
A conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.