Mother and Son Accused of Embezzling
A former company president and her son are facing felony charges after police in Medley, Florida, accused the pair of embezzling more than $620,000 from a company where the mother had access to financial accounts, credit cards and payroll.
Maria Rodriguez and her son, Miguel Antonio Perez, were arrested Wednesday morning in Miami Beach and later taken to jail, according to police. Both are accused of organized scheme to defraud and grand theft.
Police began investigating the alleged financial fraud in April 2025 after receiving a report involving Iron Container Holdings LLC. Investigators named the operation “Operation Iron Illusion” as they worked to determine how company funds were allegedly diverted for personal use.
Authorities allege Rodriguez, who served as the company’s president, was entrusted with the company’s financial accounts, corporate credit cards and payroll responsibilities. Investigators say she allegedly used company money to pay for personal luxury expenses while recording the purchases as miscellaneous business expenses.
The investigation also focused on Rodriguez’s employment of her son. Police allege Perez was initially hired as a security guard with an annual salary of $42,000. According to arrest warrants, Rodriguez later changed the position to remote work and increased his salary to $114,000. Investigators allege Perez did not actually perform security duties.
Police say the alleged misuse of company funds extended well beyond payroll. Investigators identified company credit card payments connected to a Brickell condominium, an elite gym membership, designer clothing purchased from Saks Fifth Avenue and automobile insurance.
Authorities also allege company funds were used for luxury yacht rentals and a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The case illustrates how alleged financial misconduct inside a business can remain hidden when someone has access to multiple parts of a company’s financial operation. In this investigation, police say the alleged scheme involved company accounts, payroll and credit cards, creating multiple avenues through which investigators could trace transactions.
The mother and son are accused, not convicted. The charges will now move through the criminal justice system, where prosecutors must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that authorities intend to continue pursuing similar financial crimes.
