Editor’s note: Story updated at 11:45 a.m. on 8/7/26 to include the suspect’s release from the Whatcom County Jail.
BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Bellingham man is accused of using his role as a translator to steal thousands of dollars from his employer.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater says deputies were alerted to a report of fraud on June 17.
The victim told deputies that they believed their translator who goes with them to the bank had used their sensitive personal information to withdraw nearly $3,000 from their account.
The victim also accused their translator of cashing $6,500 in fraudulent checks from their account.
In all, the 39-year-old suspect is believed to have stolen over $9,400 from his employer.
He was arrested on Wednesday, Aug. 5, and released the following night personal recognizance.
