By Fallan Patterson

Staff Writer

Heather Harmony Espinel, a former SunTrust manager at a branch in Osceola County, was indicted June 1 on federal embezzlement charges for allegedly knowingly taking nearly $15,000 during her employment. If convicted, she faces up to 30 years in federal prison.

Espinel was indicted by a federal grand jury last week on a charge of embezzlement of federally insured funds by a bank employee.

Espinel, 33, allegedly embezzled the funds over a three-month period from December 2009 to February 2010, according to documents released from her court appearance last week. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.

Espinel, of Kissimmee, was released from custody pending her trial, set for Aug. 1 before the Honorable Gregory A. Presnell, a United States District Judge.

The case will be prosecuted by Robert E. Bodnar Jr., an assistant United States attorney.

If convicted, Espinel will be required to turn over any cash or property purchased with the embezzled funds. If unable to comply, the government will seize any property she does own to pay back the funds, the indictment documents state.