Miami, Florida — A former payroll manager at a Miami orthopedic clinic is facing serious felony charges after authorities accused her of carrying out a massive fraud scheme that allegedly stole more than $1.5 million from her employer over a period of more than two years.
Investigators say the woman secretly manipulated payroll systems, issued herself unauthorized bonuses and used company funds for personal purchases without the owner’s knowledge.
Payroll Manager Accused of Massive Fraud Scheme
Authorities identified the suspect as Rachel Lynne Poor, 40, of Coral Springs, Florida.
According to reports, Poor worked as the paymaster for Miami Back & Neck Specialists, an orthopedic clinic located on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami’s Bay Point neighborhood.
Police said the alleged scheme came to light after the clinic hired a new payroll manager, who reportedly noticed suspicious financial activity connected to Poor’s payroll records.
The orthopedic surgeon who owns the clinic later filed a police report in June 2024, triggering a formal investigation by the Miami Police Department.
Authorities Say She Altered Her Own Payroll
According to the arrest report, investigators allege Poor manipulated payroll records to significantly increase her compensation without authorization.
Police say she allegedly inflated her own salary and repeatedly issued herself unauthorized bonuses over an extended period.
“Had been altering her own payroll data, including modifying her salary and issuing unauthorized bonuses to herself without the (doctor’s) knowledge or authorization,” the arrest report states.
Investigators further alleged that Poor falsely represented herself as the owner while setting up the company payroll account with ADP, granting herself full administrative control over payroll operations.
Authorities claim this gave her unrestricted access to salary information, bonus approvals and account permissions.
More Than $1 Million Allegedly Taken Through Payroll
According to investigators, the alleged fraud occurred between September 2021 and January 2024.
Police say Poor increased her biweekly salary by approximately $1,720 and issued herself bonuses worth as much as $25,000 at a time.
Authorities estimate the total allegedly stolen through payroll manipulation reached $1,092,692.
The investigation also uncovered allegations involving company credit card misuse.
Company Credit Card Allegedly Used for Personal Spending
Police allege Poor used a company credit card to make unauthorized personal purchases totaling an additional $411,737.
Authorities have not publicly detailed what purchases were allegedly made using the company funds, but investigators classified the spending as unauthorized personal use.
Combined with the alleged payroll fraud, investigators say the total financial loss exceeded $1.5 million.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the size of the alleged theft and the length of time authorities say the scheme continued undetected.
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Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Poor was arrested on May 21 and charged with first-degree grand theft, organized scheme to defraud and credit card fraud.
Court records reportedly show bond amounts totaling $35,000 across the three felony charges.
Records also list attorney Jean Richardson as counsel for Poor.
An arraignment hearing has been scheduled for July 20 in Miami-Dade County court.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges or financial findings could emerge as the investigation continues.
The case highlights the importance of internal financial oversight and how payroll systems can allegedly be exploited when oversight is limited.
What do you think about this alleged million-dollar fraud case? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
