TUCSON, Ariz. (13News) – The Pinal County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) has arrested a former Central Arizona College (CAC) women's basketball coach on suspicion of fraud scheme and theft.
Officials said the investigation began in August 2022 when a CAC representative reported a possible theft to PCSO.
According to PCSO, the investigation revealed that 44-year-old Dennis Cardenas embezzled student financial aid and team fundraising funds totaling nearly $28,000 from 2021 to 2022. It has become clear.
PCSO said Cardenas is no longer working for CAC and was arrested in Yuma on February 24th.
Cárdenas, also known as Coach Gooch, is charged with six counts of conspiracy to defraud and six counts of theft, authorities said.
So far, six people have come forward as victims: four students, one parent, and the school. Investigators believe there may be more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call PCSO at 520-866-5111.
“A special thank you to the investigators at the Pinal County Prosecutor's Office who assisted in tracing the funds,” said Sheriff Mark Lamb. “The Yuma Police Department also assisted in apprehending this suspect.”
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