Adults and children alike create memories every year by attending California state and local fairs. Unfortunately, one fair in Inyo County is becoming better known for its history of employees accused of embezzlement as opposed to its games and rides. A recent investigation into the financial situation of Tri-County Fairgrounds has resulted in the arrest of its chief executive officer.
The California Highway Patrol has recently completed a five-month investigation. As a result, they claim that the now former CEO embezzled funds. While not officially confirmed, some claim that the woman illegally took approximately $9,000 from an ATM.
In addition to embezzlement charges, she is accused of grand theft and misappropriation of government funds. She is out on bond after she surrendered herself. If convicted, she could face up to four years in prison, but officials say that she is unlikely to receive the maximum penalty due to her lack of criminal history. This arrest follows the conviction of another employee of the same fairgrounds, also accused of embezzling and ordered to pay over $25,000 in restitution.
In this case, it is unclear how California officers determined that the missing money resulted from embezzlement rather than poor record keeping or some other reason. If the accused did in fact withdraw money from an ATM as rumors indicate, it is plausible that the money was used for the fairgrounds and not properly documented. Because of the complexity of cases involving such charges, many people facing these accusations are better able to navigate the criminal justice system with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Source: thesheetnews.com, “Former fairgrounds CEO charged with embezzlement“, Mike Bodine, Dec. 4, 2015