Ex-banker denied bail in $66 million investment scam

Photo By /Handout /Bexar County Sheriff’s Office
Ex-banker Armando Jesus Hernandez Leal, 53, is jailed in San Antonio on allegations that he stole $66 million he was supposed to invest.

San Antonio, Texas -- U.S. Magistrate Judge John Primomo found a former Mexican banker accused of stealing $66 million from investors while living in San Antonio, is a flight risk after listening to testimony that he has “a hidden stash” somewhere.

Armando Jesus Hernandez Leal gave the judge his word Monday that he wouldn’t skip bail if released from jail to await trial. But the judge denied bail after an FBI agent testified that $40 million to $50 million are still unaccounted for and that Hernandez has “a hidden stash.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Surovic also argued that Hernandez, a permanent resident, faces up to 20 years in prison and would be deported if convicted of wire fraud, giving him more reason to flee.

“It appears he does have the resources to flee,” Primomo said.

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