Omaha, Nebraska – Two Omaha women accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from their grandmother, a well-known local restaurant owner, appeared in court Friday as prosecutors detailed allegations involving forged checks and unauthorized credit card transactions.
Police say the case centers on the late Caterina Malara, founder of Malara’s Italian Restaurant, who died in 2023. Her granddaughters now face felony theft charges tied to financial activity that allegedly occurred while Malara was a vulnerable adult.
Incident Overview
According to Omaha police, the suspects are Ashley Gomez and Alexandria Kuta, granddaughters of Malara. Investigators allege the women used their access to family finances to steal more than $500,000 through a combination of fraudulent credit cards and forged checks.
Authorities say the alleged theft unfolded over an extended period and involved multiple financial instruments connected to Malara and her restaurant business.
Timeline of Events
Court records indicate that much of the suspected activity occurred in the years leading up to Malara’s death in 2023. Investigators began reviewing the finances after concerns were raised by family members about unexplained withdrawals and payments.
Police say the investigation uncovered a pattern of transactions that included credit card openings, large check payments, and pressure placed on Malara to approve transfers she never authorized.
Details From Police and Court Filings
Police allege that Ashley Gomez, who faces two counts of theft, opened several fraudulent credit cards in Malara’s name. Investigators say those cards were paid off using funds from the restaurant’s bank account, totaling more than $250,000.
However, authorities noted that due to Nebraska’s statute of limitations, only about $10,000 of those transactions are still eligible for prosecution.
In addition to the credit card activity, police say both sisters wrote checks to themselves totaling approximately $150,000, claiming the money was given as gifts from their grandmother.
Despite the money later being returned to a trust, prosecutors say the circumstances surrounding the transactions remain criminal in nature.
Key Facts in the Case
• Victim: Caterina Malara, founder of Malara’s Italian Restaurant
• Defendants: Ashley Gomez and Alexandria Kuta
• Alleged stolen amount: More than $500,000
• Credit card transactions: Over $250,000
• Forged checks: Approximately $150,000
• Bond: 10% of $50,000 for each defendant
• Next court date: February 25
Family Statements and Vulnerable Adult Allegations
Family members told investigators that Malara never mentioned giving large monetary gifts to her granddaughters. Court filings describe Malara as a vulnerable adult at the time the checks were written, raising concerns about her ability to consent.
Authorities say recordings obtained during the investigation show the sisters repeatedly pressing Malara to authorize the checks.
“The recordings indicate that the victim was pressured to approve financial transactions she did not authorize,” investigators stated in court documents.
Money Returned but Charges Remain
Police confirmed that the sisters returned the money to a trust several months after cashing the checks. However, authorities emphasized that returning funds does not erase criminal liability.
Prosecutors argue that the alleged coercion and lack of authorization make the actions criminal regardless of reimbursement.
Additional reporting on the case was published by local Omaha media, including coverage cited from regional outlets such as WOWT, which detailed court proceedings and police statements.
Court Status and What Comes Next
Both Gomez and Kuta were ordered held on 10 percent of $50,000 bond and are scheduled to appear again in court on February 25. Prosecutors are expected to present further evidence regarding the alleged financial exploitation.
If convicted, the sisters could face significant penalties under Nebraska theft and exploitation statutes.
Conclusion
The case has drawn attention in Omaha due to the prominence of the victim and the scale of the alleged theft. Authorities say it also highlights the growing issue of financial exploitation involving elderly and vulnerable adults.
As the legal process continues, prosecutors stress the importance of safeguarding seniors and closely monitoring financial access within families.
If you have experienced or witnessed concerns involving elder financial abuse, local authorities encourage reporting suspicious activity. Share your experiences in the comments below.
