LAS CRUCES – A Roswell woman is facing 25 felony fraud charges after an investigation by the New Mexico Department of Justice alleged she stole more than $66,000 from the auto dealership where she worked.
According to the New Mexico Department of Justice, Roshelle Ruffin was arrested this week in Texas on 25 counts of fraud. Ruffin served as the office manager for Krumland Auto Group, which owns several dealerships in Roswell, including Roswell Ford and Roswell Nissan.
The investigation began after the Department of Justice received a complaint through its online complaint portal alleging fraudulent activity at the dealerships.
Investigators allege Ruffin used the company’s accounting software to cancel, recode, and reissue checks originally intended for customers or vendors. Authorities say the checks were then redirected to Ruffin, members of her family, and friends.
According to investigators, the alleged scheme involved 25 fraudulent payments ranging from approximately $600 to nearly $5,000. The funds were allegedly transferred back to Ruffin through Zelle transactions.
The New Mexico Department of Justice estimates the total loss at $66,296.06.
If convicted on all charges, Ruffin could face a maximum sentence of up to 58.5 years in prison.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Byline: John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News, LLC – John@bravomic.com
News Talk 92.7 FM KOBE 1450 AM- Talk, Done Right