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PITTSBURG — An accounting manager embezzled almost $1.4 million from her former employer Filipino frozen foods manufacturer Ramar Foods International. Mary Antoinette Narvaez-Hernandez, 59, of Bay Point, who was arrested last month pleaded guilty at her arraignment.
Following a lengthy forensic accounting investigation, felony charges were filed against Narvaez-Hernandez. Investigators reviewed financial records dating back to 2016 from the family-owned business on Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg.
Narvaez-Hernandez was charged for multiple counts of grand theft, money laundering, and concealing property with intent to evade tax. Plus, she was charged with identity theft, false impersonation, and a special allegation for white collar crime.
Narvaez-Hernandez was arrested March 28. She subsequently agreed to a negotiated plea deal with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. She admitted to committing felony grand theft embezzlement, identity theft, money laundering, and tax evasion.
Ramar Foods failed to pay more than $97,000 in state taxes owed because of her deception. Narvaez-Hernandez cooperated with the Pittsburg Police Department. She has already paid more than $410,000 in restitution to victims of her crimes.
Narvaez-Hernandez received a seven-year suspended state prison sentence. In addition, she was sentenced to three years of probation, and one year in county jail.
In a prepared statement Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said. “The agreement is an effective way for victims to receive financial restitution and the state to recover tax revenue.”
