Long Beach Shocked by CSULB Employees Charged in Theft

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

The athletics department at California State University, Long Beach, where trust has been compromised due to recent theft allegations.

News Summary

The Long Beach community is in disbelief after two former employees of California State University, Long Beach, were charged with stealing over $36,000. Oscar Perez Almanza and Hender Noe Maxwell face serious charges after allegedly orchestrating a scheme involving fraudulent timesheets and unauthorized payments from the university funds. The incident raises concerns about trust and accountability in public institutions as both individuals maintain their innocence while facing legal proceedings.

Long Beach Shocked by University Employees Charged in $36,000 Theft Scandal

The city of Long Beach is buzzing with the news of two former employees from the athletics department at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), who have been charged with a shocking theft that allegedly took place in 2022. The amount? A staggering over $36,000! The community is left scratching their heads as details of the alleged fraudulent activities come to light.

Meet the Suspects: Oscar Perez Almanza and Hender Noe Maxwell

The individuals facing serious charges are 39-year-old Oscar Perez Almanza and 38-year-old Hender Noe Maxwell. Both have been slapped with one count of felony conspiracy to commit grand theft and one count of grand theft. Allegations suggest they engaged in a well-planned scheme, managing to pull off what prosecutors describe as a coordinated effort to divert valuable university funds into their pockets.

How the Scheme Worked

So, how did these two manage to steal such a significant amount? According to investigators, the plot revolved around Maxwell, a former groundskeeper for the athletics department, who submitted falsified timesheets claiming he had worked hundreds of hours after leaving his position. This unauthorized activity raises eyebrows, considering no one could possibly work for a company they no longer belong to!

Adding another layer to this deceit, Almanza, who held the role of field supervisor at CSULB, allegedly approved these dubious timesheets. With a clear knowledge that Maxwell was not an active employee, it raises the question: how did they think they could get away with it? Once Maxwell received payment from the university, it is said that he split the proceeds with Almanza. This one-two punch of collusion has certainly left many in the academic community feeling betrayed.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

In total, the stolen amount comes to an eye-popping $36,560 from CSULB. The theft didn’t go unnoticed and was investigated rigorously by the CSULB Police Department. Once authorities pieced together the puzzle of this case, it led to charges being filed against the two former employees.

Legal Proceedings Unfold

Both Almanza and Maxwell appeared at their arraignment on March 3, where they entered a plea of not guilty. While they are currently released on their own recognizance, they have been ordered to surrender their passports. This precautionary move aims to ensure they remain present for the upcoming legal proceedings, which will continue to unfold with much attention from onlookers.

What’s Next?

The preliminary hearing for this case is set for April 14, and if convicted, they each face up to three years in county jail. The legal battle ahead undoubtedly complicates matters for both individuals as they navigate their defense against the serious charges they face.

Community Response

The Los Angeles County District Attorney has voiced strong condemnation of the actions taken by these former employees. Highlighting how criminal acts like this can significantly damage public trust, he indicated that such actions undermine funds that are vital for education. The fallout of this incident reaches into the heart of Long Beach, leaving many community members concerned about the integrity of employee conduct at educational institutions.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

It’s essential to remember that these charges are still just allegations at this point. Both defendants maintain their innocence, and under the law, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The upcoming preliminary hearing will be crucial as both sides prepare to present their arguments regarding the charges of theft that have shook CSULB.

In a city where trust is critical, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and oversight in our public institutions. As the story develops, it is certain the community is eager to see justice served.