Santa Cruz woman arrested for stealing money from special needs organization
A Santa Cruz woman was arrested for stealing money from an organization that helps children with disabilities and special needs.
According to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, Lolita Garcia was arrested on March 19, for embezzlement, money laundering, and tax evasion charges.
Garcia is the Executive Director and President of Central Coast Kids & Families.
“From 2013 through 2015, while Central Coast Kids & Families was a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, Lolita Garcia allegedly embezzled over $675,000 of the charity’s funds, ” said Monterey County DA’s Office.
After investigators arrested Garcia, she was booked in the Santa Cruz County Jail and was released on bail the same day. Her arraignment is scheduled at the Salinas Courthouse on April 19, 2018.
The DA’s Office said, “The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office obtained a temporary restraining order from the Monterey Superior Court pursuant to the aggravated white collar crime statute on March 20, 2018, which freezes assets owned and controlled by Lolita Garcia and preserves such assets for purposes of fines and restitution during the pendency of legal proceedings.”
If you were an employee of Central Coast Kids & Families around this timeframe, or if you have information regarding this case contact District Attorney Investigator Jackie Meroney at 831-647-7706.
