Embezzlement Suspects Convicted in Del Mar
September 21, 2024 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that a man and woman were sentenced on convictions of 
embezzling more than $1 million from a real estate firm which owns an apartment complex in the 2800 block of Camino Del Mar in Del Mar. The woman worked for the real estate firm for more than 25 years and her employment was terminated in 2021.
The theft was first reported in late 2021 to the North Coastal Sheriff's Station. The Sheriff's Fraud/Elder Abuse Unit conducted the investigation. During the investigation, it was discovered the former property manager manipulated the company's accounting records to cover the misappropriated funds. Julie Blease (54) funneled misappropriated funds to her brother's company from which they both benefited financially.
Blease was arrested on August 23, 2023, at his home in the City of San Diego. She was booked at the Vista Detention Facility on charges of embezzlement, identity theft, forgery and money laundering with a white-collar crime enhancement. Blease's brother, Colin Miller (58), was arrested on August 24, 2023, in the City of Poway. He was booked at the Vista Detention Facility on charges of grand theft, identity theft, forgery and money laundering with a white-collar crime enhancement.
On September 12, 2024, Blease was sentenced to a state prison term of five years, eight months. Miller was sentenced to a state prison term of five years. The court ordered both Blease and Miller to pay restitution in the amount of $970,000.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
