Tucson, Arizona — An Arizona county elected official used the $38 million he used to renovate his luxury southwest ranch home, maintain his family’s cattle operation and buy at least 20 vehicles, including an Airstream camper. Pleaded guilty to embezzling public funds in excess of US dollars.

Elizabeth Gutfahr, who served as Santa Cruz County Treasurer from 2012 to 2024, was charged Thursday with one felony count each of embezzlement by a public servant, money laundering and tax evasion for failing to pay up to $13 million in taxes. Pleaded guilty. A plea deal allowed her to avoid trial.

“Liz Gutfahr wants to be held accountable for the harm she has caused in Santa Cruz County,” attorney Joshua Hamilton said in a statement. “She knows that by pleading guilty and accepting the punishment she will receive as a result, she is taking a step in the right direction of taking responsibility for her actions.”

Gutfahr, 62, will be sentenced on February 6 in federal court in Tucson and could face up to a total of 35 years in prison. She also must pay restitution in Santa Cruz County, which borders Mexico.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Arizona said Gutfahr transferred public funds to fraudulent business accounts. She then used wire transfer to transfer the money to her personal bank account.

According to court records, Gutfahr falsified accounting and other records in an attempt to cover his tracks.

She remains free pending sentencing and is prohibited from leaving the state without the court’s permission.