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On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Florida law enforcement officials from the Economic Crimes Unit took a woman named Stephanie Lopez into custody. Lopez, 56, previously held the position of Mediterranean Manor homeowners association manager.
The HOA serves Mediterranean Manors, “a 400-unit condominium complex” in Dunedin, just west of Tampa. As a manager, Lopez had access to the homeowners association funds and investigators report that she embezzled them.
Authorities charged Lopez with both Scheme to Defraud and Grand Theft offenses.
An investigation was initiated by detectives following reports presented by Lopez’s employer, Harbeck Hospitality, in May of 2023. The management company oversees Mediterranean Manor. Harbeck Hospitality uncovered evidence suggesting Lopez’s involvement in embezzling funds from the homeowners association.
During their investigation, the detectives discovered that Lopez had allegedly been using the funds from the homeowners association of Mediterranean Manor for personal expenses. This involved the payment of bills such as her mortgage, the purchase of new windows for her residence, insurance, cable bills, and even her Amazon purchases.