HOUSTON—A former employee of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars and using the money for her family’s personal gain.
Eloise Mireles and her husband, Daniel Mireles, were taken into custody by investigators early Friday morning.
Eloise Mireles has been charged with felony theft by a public servant of more than $200,000. Her husband is facing charges of theft of more than $100,000 for his alleged role in the scheme.
Authorities also seized three vehicles and placed a lien on the Mireles’ east Houston home, located at 4509 Brady Street.
Eloise Mireles worked for the DA’s office for 16 years. She started working as a receptionist in the Victim’s Rights Division in 2001, and remained there until her termination on August 20, 2009.
Her employment was terminated when investigators began to probe allegations of theft. The Victims Rights Division provides assistance to crime victims and accepts court-ordered restitution from defendants.
Authorities say Eloise Mireles embezzled $232,000 from the funds intended for crime victims over a period of several years.
She was previously charged with stealing more than $1,000.
Authorities said they plan to remove furniture and other items from the Mireles’ home Friday afternoon—items they believe were purchased with stolen funds.
Special Prosecutor Lee Cox from Fort Bend County has been assigned to the case.
Harris County DA Pat Lykos said fully compensating earlier victims for any unpaid restitution stemming from the alleged theft is a priority.
The DA’s office said funds have been secured and are available to cover all losses.
The charge against Eloise Mireles carries a punishment of 5-99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The charge against Daniel Mireles, a second-degree felony, carries a range of punishment from 2-10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Both Eloise and Daniel Mireles are being held at the Harris County Jail on $465,300 and $234,000 bond, respectively.
