WAILUKU >> Bank of Hawaii is suing the former manager of its Lanai branch to recover more than $143,000 that allegedly was embezzled from seven customers. Bankoh sues ex-manager
in alleged theftAssociated Press
The lawsuit is separate from federal criminal proceedings against Belina Costales Zamora, 39, who was arrested June 7.
She has pleaded innocent to embezzlement and is scheduled for trial Aug. 20 in U.S. District Court in Honolulu.
The lawsuit, filed last Monday, contends Zamora preyed on elderly customers and forged signatures to hide withdrawals that totaled $143,813.
The transactions were done from Jan. 4, 2000, to June 28, 2001, and the amounts missing from the accounts ranged from $3,175 to $76,168.
Zamora had been hired in January 1989, by First Federal on Lanai, which later merged with Bank of Hawaii. She served as branch manager from July 2000 to April 2, 2002.
Zamora denied any wrongdoing, the lawsuit said.
The bank is asking Zamora to repay the $143,813 it reimbursed to customers as well as interest and other costs.
According to court records, Zamora was released on a $50,000 bond on conditions including that she reside at Miller Hale halfway house on Oahu.
She also was ordered to surrender her passport and avoid contact with employees or customers of the Lanai bank.