A San Diego-based travel agent was charged today with more than 27 felony counts of grand theft and seller of travel violations by embezzling funds from school trips that were canceled during the pandemic.
Marie Martin, 52, allegedly embezzled more than $415,000 in travel funds provided by more than 150 parents for eighth-grade school trips to the East Coast. After the school trips were canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. According to the Attorney General’s office, Martin refused to provide refunds to the parents, and instead allegedly spent the funds on personal expenses, such as credit card purchases, rent, and artwork.
“More than 150 California families set aside their hard-earned money to give their children the educational opportunity of a lifetime. Instead, the trip was canceled, and their money disappeared,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I want to thank the San Diego District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in investigating and prosecuting this case. California travel agents must comply with the state's robust consumer protection laws – or they will be held accountable.”
Parents from nine schools in Los Angeles and Orange Counties in early 2019 were swindled out of their money for eighth-grade school trips to Washington D.C. and the East Coast. The trips were supposed to take place in 2020 but were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Cheating parents who work hard to give their children educational experiences that will broaden their horizons is a disgrace,” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. “We stand ready to work with the Attorney General on bringing justice to the families who were defrauded out of their hard-earned income.”
Further investigation revealed that Martin was experiencing cash flow problems and commingling client funds.
Anyone who believes they have been wronged by a seller of travel is encouraged to contact their local district attorney and/or local law enforcement agency and file a complaint at ‪www.oag.ca.gov/report.
