TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr pleaded guilty Thursday morning. federal charge of embezzlementmoney laundering and tax evasion.
Goodfall is Charged with stealing more than $38 million Transfer Santa Cruz County money to a private bank account. In one year alone, she transferred more than $11 million from county accounts to her own, according to court documents.
Gutfahr will be released pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for February 2025. Gutfahr was also ordered by a magistrate to pay back as much of the more than $38 million in public funds as possible and agreed to restitution. In addition, part of that award includes a $13 million IRS penalty.
KGUN 9 received the following statement from the attorney.
“Liz Gutfahr wants to take responsibility for the damage she has caused Santa Cruz County. She is taking responsibility for her actions by pleading guilty and accepting the punishment she will face as a result. She knows she is taking a step in the right direction, taking responsibility for her actions. Today is a big step, but just one step along the path to salvation, and she will continue on that path for the rest of her life. I will try my best.”
Prior to the federal charges, Gutfahr was charged in civil court by Santa Cruz County. Although she was cooperating with the civil court’s fund recovery efforts, the court-appointed receiver working on the sale of real estate and real estate has reported that it may only recover about one-third of its losses. .
See below | Federal criminal embezzlement charges filed against former treasurer Santa Cruz
Federal criminal embezzlement charges against former treasurer Santa Cruz
Previous coverage:
