California Woman Charged With Embezzling As Much As $700K From Police Department

Karen Flores

Karen Flores, believed to be in her mid-40s, of Santa Ynez, California has been accused of embezzling at least $100,000 from the Santa Barbara Police Department where she had served as its longtime business office supervisor.  According to authorities, Flores could have stolen as much as $700,000, although the final tally has yet to be determined.  The thefts allegedly spanned at least a 5 1/2 year period from January 1, 2006 to August 4, 2011, according to prosecutors.  Flores allegedly skimmed receipts from parking violations and street sweeping citations.  Flores is reportedly a 22 year veteran of the Department and held the business office supervisor position for the past 15 years.

Read the story here and here.

Read an update on the story (4/24/12) here.

Update (6/4/13): Flores pleaded guilty to embezzlement and tax evasion charges in connection with her embezzlement of $609,000.