DATE OF RELEASE: February 22, 2016
On December 28, 2015, the West Covina Police Department was contacted by Vine Elementary School PTA regarding a possible embezzlement investigation involving a volunteer who served as Secretary and Treasurer of that organization. The suspect, Veronica Monique Paderez, 37 of West Covina, had been involved with the PTA since 2014 and had access to the PTA accounts. The preliminary audit revealed losses of over $52,000.00 from numerous fraudulent transactions.
The investigation further revealed that the suspect was also involved in the finances and bank accounts belonging to the West Covina American Little League (over $26,000.00 losses) and Girl Scout Troop #4754 (figures unavailable). Audits are being completed to determine the exact loss amounts.
On February 4, 2016, Detectives from the West Covina Police Department arrested Suspect Paderez at her home and booked her for suspicion of Grand Theft. Bail amount was set at $85,000.00. Paderez later bonded out that evening with an appearance date for arraignment set for April 2, 2016 at West Covina Superior Court.
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Information released by:
West Covina Police Department
Public Information Officer Rudy Lopez
1444 West Garvey Avenue
West Covina, CA 91790
626 939-8500
Web: www.wcpd.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/WestCovinaPD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestCovinaPD
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