Breaking News in Our Community
FBI Investigating Financial Irregularities at County, Supervisors to Appoint Temporary Treasurer Today
Here is this morning’s press release from Santa Cruz County, which includes a joint statement from the Board of Supervisors on the situation:
[Press Release from Santa Cruz County – April 18, 2024]
Board of Supervisors to Hold Special Meeting to Appoint Temporary County Treasurer
Nogales, Ariz. – The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Board Meeting on Thursday April 18, 2024 starting at 4:15 PM to appoint a temporary County Treasurer following the April 12, 2024 resignation of former County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr.
In advance of the Special Board Meeting, the Board of Supervisors issued the following joint statement:
“On April 3, 2024, the County’s financial institution, J.P. Morgan Chase, notified Deputy County Manager, Mauricio Chavez, of financial irregularities flagged on County accounts managed by the Treasurer’s Office. The Santa Cruz County Treasurer is the fiscal custodian of the County, including all bank accounts, and is responsible for the administration and control of cash and securities. Deputy Manager Chavez followed protocol and immediately notified County Manager Jesus Valdez to review the report provided by J.P. Morgan Chase. Upon consultation with County Attorney, George Silva, the County moved to lock all accounts and remove access to the accounts from the County Treasurer and her Office. The Office of The Arizona Auditor General was alerted, and the County initiated and is fully cooperating in an active investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is still ongoing.
“On April 8, 2024, County Manager Valdez, Deputy County Manager Chavez, and County Attorney Silva provided Treasurer Gutfahr with notice of a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors to be held on April 15, 2024, for the purpose of suspending her with pay for 120 days as allowed in Arizona State Statute.
“On April 11, 2024, Treasurer Gutfahr submitted her resignation via email to the County Manager Valdez, with an effective date of April 12, 2024.
“The Board of Supervisors through the County Attorney’s Office has retained the services of firms for financial consulting and forensic investigating.
“Santa Cruz County will continue to collaborate with the FBI and the Office of The Arizona Auditor General throughout the investigation. As stewards of public monies and trust, we are taking the matter seriously and will take action commensurate with the results of the investigation.”
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