A former bookkeeper from New Orleans has been charged with access device fraud, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Belinda Martin, aged 50, was charged on June 23, 2025.
Court documents allege that between 2014 and 2023, Martin embezzled more than $1,000 from her employer by fraudulently using the company's access device accounts.
If convicted, Martin faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. This could be followed by up to three years of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized that the bill of information is merely a charge and that guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Simpson commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their work in investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens II from the Financial Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.
