Former Santa Cruz County treasurer sentenced to 10 years in prison

Former County Treasurer Sentenced for Embezzlement Elizabeth Guffer, the former treasurer of Santa Cruz County, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday for unlawfully taking nearly $39 million over a decade. The 63-year-old Guffer, dressed in black, stood quietly as US District Judge Rosemary Marquez delivered the sentence in a Tucson federal court, […]

Ex-Santa Cruz County Treasurer Given 10-Year Sentence for Stealing More Than $38 Million

Former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Sentenced for Embezzlement A former Santa Cruz County official has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison after admitting to embezzling tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Rosemary C. Marquez sentenced Elizabeth Gutfar, 63, to 120 months in prison. Following her release, she will […]

Santa Cruz County Jury unable to reach a decision in child molestation case

Child Abuse Trial Ends in Deadlock After three days of jury deliberations, the twelve jurors could not reach a decision in the case involving Emmanuel Manriquez, who faced serious charges related to child abuse. Manriquez was up against four separate counts, which included one charge of child abuse, one attempt at child abuse, and two […]

Former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Admits to Stealing $38 Million from Taxpayers

Elizabeth Gutfahr, a former treasurer of Santa Cruz County, recently pleaded guilty to serious allegations of embezzling nearly $38 million from taxpayers. Serving in her role from 2012 until 2024, Gutfahr also neglected to pay over $13 million in income taxes during her tenure. A press release from the Department of Justice details how she […]

Suspected Embezzlement in Santa Cruz County Keeps Sparking Concerns

Response to Alleged Misuse of Arizona Taxpayer Funds Republican lawmakers have reacted to serious allegations involving the misuse of taxpayer funds in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Last month, Arizona Speaker Matt Gress, who heads the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC), addressed an investigation report from the Arizona Auditor’s Office that pointed to significant financial misconduct […]

Santa Cruz River Partnership might establish Arizona’s first city wildlife refuge

Partnership for Santa Cruz River National Urban Wildlife Reserve On Thursday, officials from local and federal agencies came together at Canoa Ranch in Green Valley to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at establishing a partnership for the Santa Cruz River National Urban Wildlife Reserve. This collaboration marks the first of its kind in […]

Ex-Santa Cruz County treasurer charged with theft of funds

A former treasurer from Santa Cruz County has admitted guilt in a case involving money laundering, embezzlement, and tax evasion. SANTA CRUZ County, Arizona – The ex-treasurer, Elizabeth Guffer, confessed to misappropriating over $38 million in public funds over several years. Her guilty plea came on Thursday, just days after federal charges were brought against […]

Former Santa Cruz County Treasurer confronted with federal charges

PHOENIX – The former treasurer of Santa Cruz County has admitted to a federal charge involving the embezzlement of nearly $40 million in county funds during her time in office, according to officials. Elizabeth Guffer, 62, held the position from 2012 to 2024 and reportedly failed to pay over $13 million in taxes while serving. […]