The Sonoma County Farm Bureau publicly revealed Friday that an worker not with the group is suspected of embezzling greater than $375,000 from the group and its affiliated charity, the Farm Bureau Basis of Sonoma County.
The group, a number one curiosity group for the county’s farm companies, instructed its members of the alleged embezzlement in a Sept. 29 letter. Within the letter, obtained by The Press Democrat, Farm Bureau officers mentioned they had been “shocked and disgusted” by the invention and reported the case to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Workplace.
Sheriff’s officers instructed representatives of the Farm Bureau that an arrest was imminent, Farm Bureau officers mentioned in a Friday evening information launch.
Sheriff’s officers couldn’t be instantly reached to verify that element or present further data.
The Farm Bureau didn’t share when the alleged embezzlement occurred or how the cash had been taken.
The letter assured members that the concerned worker, who they are saying acted in a person capability, was fired instantly and a proper investigation and monetary assessment had been underway.
“Farm Bureau will use its funds to interchange any basis funds that aren’t in any other case recouped,” Farm Bureau President Pat Burns mentioned in a information launch. “That’s as a result of a Farm Bureau worker brought on the loss and since basis funds are charitable property held in belief for the general public profit.”
The Farm Bureau is working to find out the complete extent of the losses whereas additionally engaged on strengthening the group’s inside safety to stop any embezzlement from occurring once more sooner or later.
Regardless of the hefty monetary blow, the group’s day-to-day operations will stay secure, mentioned govt director Dayna Ghiradelli.
“None of our essential applications are actually being impacted, thankfully,” Ghiradelli mentioned.
The Farm Bureau mentioned it could proceed to share updates because the investigation unfolds. Officers reaffirmed their dedication to “serving and advocating” for members, who span the county’s wine, poultry, dairy, meals and flower crop sectors.
“The monetary well being of each organizations stays robust,” Burns mentioned within the launch.
Test again for updates on this creating story.
Contact Employees Author Anna Armstrong at 707-521-5255 or anna.armstrong@pressdemocrat.com. On X (Twitter) @annavarmstrongg.
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