SAN ANTONIO – A mother and son are facing federal charges in an alleged million-dollar fraud scheme involving a local church.
A federal grand jury returned a 12-count indictment last week against against Brennan R. Diaz, 23, and Deborah A. Diaz, 44.
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The indictment alleges the pair conspired to defraud the La Obra Milagrosa Church, which is owned by Brennan Diaz's grandfather, of more than $1 million last year.
Between February and October of last year, the indictment alleged the pair wrote checks on the church's bank account, which they were not authorized to do.
It says Brennan Diaz wrote and forged his grandfather’s signature on approximately 50 church business checks made payable to himself. Deborah Diaz allegedly forged three checks payable to herself.
Brennan Diaz is charged with four counts of bank fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft and two counts of money laundering. Deborah Diaz is charged with two counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Brennan Diaz surrendered to authorities on Monday. His mother is set to do so on Friday.