Houston Bank Teller Accused of Stealing $180,000 from Elderly Customer

HOUSTON, Texas — Authorities in Houston, Texas, are on the lookout for a bank teller who allegedly embezzled $180,000 from an 86-year-old customer. The victim had developed a strong bond with the teller, considering her “like a daughter.”

Houston Crime Stoppers have recently released the image of the suspect, Cecilia Hope Brown, in their efforts to locate the 29-year-old. The alleged theft took place over a period of nearly five months earlier this year.

According to a charging document, Cecilia Brown established a close relationship with the elderly woman, who frequented Frost Bank. The victim trusted Brown implicitly, treating her as if she were her own daughter.

Cecilia Hope Brown has been charged with a second-degree felony for aggregate theft from an elderly person, a serious offense that carries severe consequences.

From $180,000 to Mere Pocket Change

The Houston Police Department’s Financial Crimes Division launched an investigation after the victim discovered that her Frost Bank IRA account, which previously held $180,000, had been depleted to a mere $1.50 on July 3.

In the charging document, the elderly woman stated that she had not been a victim of fraud recently and had not granted anyone access to her account except for Cecilia, the bank employee. The victim also confirmed that she had never authorized any withdrawals made by Cecilia.

Investigators discovered that six unauthorized withdrawals were made from the victim’s account between February 21 and July 3, with each transaction averaging over $23,000.

Furthermore, the victim provided investigators with withdrawal slips issued by the bank, which revealed inconsistencies between her own signature and Cecilia Brown’s signature. Brown had signed as a notary public on some slips and as an authorized trustee or custodian on most.

Investigators also noted that the victim’s signature on the slips did not match the one used when the account was opened.

Motivated by Good Intentions?

After identifying Cecilia Brown as the individual responsible for the unauthorized access to the victim’s account, investigators reviewed surveillance footage capturing each withdrawal and confronted Brown with the evidence.

According to the bank supervisor, there had been no reason to suspect Brown of any wrongdoing until the elderly victim brought the account discrepancy to their attention. Upon reviewing the footage, the supervisor observed Brown taking money from the vault without releasing it to the victim.

When asked about the withdrawals, Brown claimed that she had handed the money to the victim’s vehicle on each occasion, which explained the absence of the elderly woman in the footage. However, investigators found no evidence supporting Brown’s claim.

According to the charging document, Brown was seen taking stacks of cash from the vault, concealing them under papers, and transferring them to a teller counter. She would then hide the money beneath the counter and leave the bank with boxes.

When questioned about her actions before being placed on administrative leave, Brown stated that she believed she was doing a good deed for the customer, as revealed in the charging document.

Frost Bank, contacted by Eyewitness News, declined to discuss the ongoing legal action. However, they confirmed that Brown is no longer employed by the bank, and they have reimbursed the victim for the stolen funds. Frost Bank is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in their investigation.

As of now, Cecilia Hope Brown remains at large, with a warrant issued for her arrest. The Houston Police Department urges anyone with information on her whereabouts to come forward.

Described as a white female with brown eyes and brown hair, Cecilia Brown stands at 5 feet tall and weighs approximately 180 pounds.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any information leading to the location and arrest of Cecilia Hope Brown. Tipsters can provide information by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitting tips online at www.crime-stoppers.org, or using the Crime Stoppers mobile app. It is important to note that all tipsters remain anonymous, and only tips submitted directly to Crime Stoppers are eligible for a cash reward.