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former employee of a Bergen County real estate company was arrested on Thursday for allegedly stealing nearly $100,000 from the business. Maria Vega, 52, of Leonia, is charged with second-degree theft by deception. She was released on a summons to appear in court.

    An investigation began on September 11 when accounting staff at the Rochelle Park office noticed suspicious wire transfers from a business account to a personal checking account. The transfers occurred between March and May, resulting in a total loss of $99,342.

    Vega had previously worked for the company, but police did not disclose why she was no longer employed there. Detectives linked Vega to the transactions after reviewing bank records and subpoenas. "Bank records and subpoenas revealed that a former employee wired funds to the same account where she received legitimate direct deposit payments," said Rochelle Park Police Capt. James DePreta.

    Vega's attorney information is not publicly listed in online court records.