Mountain View woman arrested for allegedly embezzling $500,000 from Menlo Park firm

A Mountain View woman was arrested on Wednesday on charges of embezzlement and identity fraud after a police investigation revealed she stole $500,000 from her employer, leading to the company's bankruptcy earlier this year, according to the Menlo Park Police Department.

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Amerlinda Mendoza, 59, served as the office manager for Strategic Business Insights (SBI), a research and consulting firm based in Menlo Park, for over nine years, police said.

In January 2023, Mendoza took over management of the company's bank accounts and financial transactions after the previous office manager retired. Her responsibilities included making vendor payments, transferring funds, and handling payroll.

By January 2024, SBI detected significant financial discrepancies and missing funds. The CEO reported the issue, and Mendoza resigned two days later, according to the police.

An eight-month investigation revealed that Mendoza allegedly withdrew and transferred funds from SBI’s accounts to finance personal gambling and other expenses. Over the course of a year, she is accused of embezzling approximately $500,000, which led to the company's bankruptcy, the loss of over 20 jobs, and unpaid vendors.

On September 4, a search warrant was executed at Mendoza’s home, leading to her arrest without incident. She has been booked into San Mateo County Jail with a bail set at $750,000. The case has been forwarded to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office for prosecution.