A mother and her son are facing charges in connection with an alleged fraud scheme that ripped off a Medley company for over $620,000 to pay for their luxury lifestyle, police said.

Maria Rodriguez and Miguel Antonio Perez are facing charges including grand theft, organized scheme to defraud and conspiracy to commit organized scheme to defraud, Medley Police said Wednesday.

The arrests are part of “Operation Iron Illusion,” begun in April 2025 after a report of financial fraud involving the company, Iron Container Holdings LLC, police said.

Investigators discovered Rodriguez, the company’s president, had used her position to benefit herself and her son, who was initially hired as a security guard at the company for $42,000 a year and later had his salary raised to $114,000 as he worked remotely, police said.

But investigators found the company didn’t have office security guards, and witnesses didn’t see Perez performing security duties, police said.

From the Medley Police news release on "Operation Iron Illusion."

Medley PoliceMedley Police

From the Medley Police news release on “Operation Iron Illusion.”

In fact, his company access card and computer credentials hadn’t been used since 2022, and 49 separate conflicts were discovered showing him checked into a gym while he was also reported to be working, police said.

Detectives also discovered company credit cards were used by Rodriguez to fund luxury vehicles, a Brickell apartment, yachts and designer clothing, as well as gym dues, auto insurance and criminal defense legal fees, police said.

In total, it’s alleged they embezzled over $620,000 from the company, with the personal expenses listed as normal business expenses, police said.

“The Medley Police Department remains committed to protecting our business
community. We will not tolerate individuals in positions of trust exploiting that trust for personal gain at the expense of local businesses, their employees, and our community,” the department said in a statement. “We will continue to use every resource available to identify, locate, and hold accountable those responsible for these crimes.”