NOGARES, Ariz. (KVOA) – The decision of former Santa Cruz County treasurer Elizabeth Guffer, convicted of stealing nearly $40 million, has lagged behind the frustration of county leaders and residents. One of the biggest cases of government embezzlement in Arizona history, the scandal has left a lasting impact on the county.
District 3 supervisor John Fanning is one of those seeking prompt action from the Department of Justice to facilitate the sentencing process.
“We have to serve justice,” Fanning said.
Fanning, who personally knew Gutfahr, expressed shock at Gutfahr’s actions.
“People trust is important and when this happens, it erodes that trust,” Fanning said.
Most of the money she stole came from education and fire district budgets. Fanning served in the Santa Cruz Valley School District for more than 30 years.
“Looking directly at what’s filmed directly affects the kids. I’ve always been about them, and that’s why I was educated.”
In November, Gutfahr pleaded guilty to charges of embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion. She remains free while awaiting the sentence.
Anxious Santa Cruz County resident Bob Misiorowski expressed his frustration over the repeated postponement.
“Children go to the supermarket here, steal bread to go to prison, and sit in prison,” Misiorowski said.
The ruling, originally scheduled for February, was pushed in May and now June. Misiorowski believes accountability is important.
“You can bounce this ball back, but in the end someone has to be responsible for the horrifying lack of surveillance,” he said.
Fanning reflected these feelings and sought a solution.
“The more people are pushed back, the more people will be irritated and angry, there will be people who have been arrested for less,” Fanning said. “There’s no problem with our laws. We’re going to have a problem with the time it takes to finish this.”
Gutfahr’s ruling is currently set for June 18th. A delay was requested by her attorney, allowing more time for probation interviews and potential objections to potential centenance reports.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has established special emails by residents to share concerns about the delayed ruling. They urge people to comment their concerns to @santacruzcountyaz.gov or to express their concerns directly to the DOJ here.
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