According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a former elected official from Santa Cruz, Arizona, has pleaded guilty to charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and tax evasion.
Former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr, 62, has been accused of embezzling and laundering approximately $38 million. She allegedly accomplished this by writing county funds under the names of companies she created, allowing her to divert the money for personal use. Gutfahr would subsequently transfer the funds to her personal account.
According to court documents, she has purchased properties and a minimum of 20 vehicles.
“Elizabeth Gutfahr, the former County Treasurer of Santa Cruz County, Arizona, has admitted to embezzling $38 million from the community for 12 years. This shocking revelation highlights the importance of public officials serving as responsible custodians of government funds rather than exploiting them for personal gain.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, who leads the Criminal Division of the Justice Department, emphasized the department’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption in all spheres of government. This plea serves as a powerful reminder that the Justice Department remains dedicated to uncovering and addressing public corruption at every level.”