Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan have announced the sentencing of Marie Martin, a San Diego-based travel agent. Martin was sentenced to six months of home confinement and six months of felony probation for embezzling travel funds from over 150 parents who had paid for eighth-grade school trips to the East Coast. These trips were subsequently cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Martin refused to provide refunds, opting instead to spend the funds on personal expenses.

Following her guilty plea in January, Martin has now paid $256,997.65 in restitution to the victims. "Parents all over California are willing to spend their time and money to give their children a better life. Marie Martin financially took advantage of more than 150 families during an already traumatic and financially challenging time," said Attorney General Rob Bonta.

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan also expressed her disappointment at Martin's actions, stating that "this defendant’s disgraceful crimes cheated parents who are working to give their children expanded educational opportunities that would broaden their horizons." She went on to commend the joint efforts of her office and the Attorney General's office in bringing justice and restitution to those affected.

In early 2019, Martin solicited funds from parents at nine schools in Los Angeles and Orange counties for eighth-grade school trips planned for 2020. However, these trips were cancelled due to the pandemic. When parents requested refunds, Martin declined and allegedly used these funds for personal expenses such as credit card purchases, rent, and artwork. Investigations revealed that even before the pandemic hit, she was experiencing cash flow problems and commingling client funds.

The Attorney General’s Office operates the Seller of Travel Program which registers travel agents operating in California. Enforcement actions can be brought against sellers of travel for violations of law by the Attorney General, local district attorneys, or city attorneys. Californians who believe they have been wronged by a seller of travel are encouraged to contact their local district attorney or law enforcement agency, and file a complaint at www.oag.ca.gov/report. Those who suffer losses due to a registered seller of travel’s failure to provide services or refunds may be eligible to file a restitution claim with The Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation.