PORTLAND — A Westbrook woman has pleaded guilty to stealing about $29,000 from her ex-husband’s retirement savings.

Martha Collins pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland on Tuesday to wire fraud and identity theft.

Prosecutors say she stole the money after he refused to lend her $15,000.

Authorities say in July 2010 she called an investment management firm where her ex-husband kept his retirement accounts, had a male friend posing as her ex-husband give the firm his Social Security Number and other identifying information, and say he wanted to close the accounts.

The Bangor Daily News reports that the accounts were closed and approximately $29,000 was sent to a post office box Collins set up. She admitted using the money for her mortgage, property taxes and car repairs.


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