Employee’s free ride over

COLMA >> A former contract Uber employee who issued more than $25,000 credits to himself, friend and family without permission pleaded no contest to felony grand theft this week, prosecutors said.

Bernie Martinez, 25, used the credits to pay for Uber rides and Uber EATS, the San Francisco-based company’s online meal ordering and delivery platform, prosecutors said.

Hired as a contract employee in February 2016, Martinez was responsible for approving prospective drivers and had access to the company’s internal computer system, which he used to issue $25,543 in credits through May 2016, prosecutors said.

Many of the transactions were made from Martinez’s home in Colma, prosecutors said.

Uber fired Martinez after uncovering the fraud and contacted Colma police, who referred the case to electronic crime investigators with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.

District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said the case was a reminder of how important it is for companies to have checks and balances.

“No matter who the person is, the smell of money can be very tempting and lead to these types of crimes,” he said.

Jason Cuevas, Martinez’s private attorney, could not be immediately reached for comment.

On Monday, Martinez pleaded no contest to one count of felony grand theft on condition of no state prison and six months in jail. The conviction could be reduced to a misdemeanor if he makes restitution.

Martinez, who is out of custody on $10,000 bail, is slated to return to court for sentencing Sept. 8.

Contact Jason Green at 408-920-5006.