TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — An Inverness woman has been convicted of stealing more than $100,000 in her ex-husband’s retirement savings, the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Fifth Judicial District announced Monday.
On June 20, Robin Joanna Bell, 58, was convicted of theft over $100,000, two counts of fraudulent use of personal identity, witness tampering and falsifying a public record.
“Theft, especially from someone who was once close to you, can be devastating, and this case should serve as a reminder that in Citrus County, it will not go unchecked to cheat, steal or deceive your victims for your own gain,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson for the 5th Judicial District. “Protecting our most vulnerable is a top priority for this office.”
Severance Agreement
According to the State Attorney’s Office, the victim told the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in July 2021 that his ex-wife, Bell, had submitted false documents to obtain retirement benefits in violation of a court order.
The victim told investigators that during divorce proceedings, Bell asked for half of what the victim was asking for, and the victim agreed, on the condition that Bell would receive half of her severance pay if she left the company.
According to the State Attorney’s Office, a judge finalized the terms of the agreement, giving each side the right to receive equal half of the other’s severance pay.
investigation
The victim was then informed in December 2020 that Bell had retired from employment. The victim contacted the Florida Retirement System (FRS) to receive half of her retirement benefits and learned that FRS had received a signed document transferring all rights to her retirement benefits to Bell.
That’s when the victim contacted law enforcement authorities.
An investigation revealed the documents were forged and the notary stated he had never notarized any documents for Bell.
Detectives tried to contact Bell and her attorney multiple times but were unsuccessful, so they turned to FDLE, who eventually contacted the alleged witness who signed the documents, but that person stated he had never seen or signed the documents Bell provided to FRS.
Bell was arrested on Jan. 1, 2023. While out on bail, Bell contacted the victim in an attempt to have the charges dropped, leading to the tampering charge.
