College Staff Member Accused of Embezzlement

A 57-year-old man who was formerly the fire program director at a local community college has been charged with stealing nearly one million dollars from the college and students. He has been charged with 12 counts of embezzlement and theft in addition to four felony charges laid upon the man earlier this year.

Months ago, the fire program director was charged with two counts of forgery and two more counts of identity theft, both felony charges, but the prosecutors have now re-filed the case to include 12 new charges, bringing the total to 16 felony counts of grand theft, embezzlement, forgery, and identity theft.

According to prosecutors, it is a common tactic to dismiss initial charges and re-file them when new evidence arises. This helps to ensure that criminals do not get away with some of their crimes. The man is currently being held in jail and his bail is set at $700,000. A preliminary hearing has been set and the former fire program director has pled not guilty to all the charges laid against him.

Accused of white collar crimes or theft? Now is the time to contact Schwartz & Naderi to have your case reviewed by a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney from our firm who can help you fight your charges and possibly avoid harsh penalties, like jail time.