A Montgomery County business owner’s suspicion about missing money has led to a felony arrest after investigators say a former employee secretly funneled company funds into her own bank account for years, all while living far beyond what her paycheck could explain.
Heather Surratt, of Houston, was taken into custody at her home in Harris County and booked into the Montgomery County Jail on a first-degree felony charge of theft of property over $300,000, according to Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office investigators.
The case began in February when the owner of Styled Real Estate, a family-owned business in south Montgomery County, reported suspected financial misconduct to deputies. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division opened an inquiry that included a detailed review of the company’s financial records.
Investigators allege that over a two-year period, Surratt deposited company-issued checks into her personal bank account, with the total exceeding $460,000. According to officials, the funds were allegedly used to pay for luxury clothing, high-end jewelry, expensive dining experiences, and international travel.
A Precinct 3 official said the case came to light only after the company itself uncovered the alleged scheme and filed a police report, prompting detectives to trace where the missing checks had gone instead of reaching the business they were meant for.
Styled Real Estate has also filed a civil lawsuit against Surratt, alleging she wrongfully intercepted, endorsed, and deposited more than 100 commission checks that were mailed in from various title companies and made payable to the business rather than to her individually. The lawsuit claims those funds were never properly accounted for or returned to the company.
Authorities have not said whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues. It was not immediately known whether Surratt has retained an attorney to represent her in the criminal case.
