Long Beach Employees Charged with Grand Theft Over Fraud

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Courtroom scene illustrates the seriousness of grand theft charges against employees.

News Summary

Two California State University, Long Beach employees, Oscar Perez Almanza and Hender Noe Maxwell, have been charged with grand theft for allegedly submitting fraudulent timesheets. The accusations suggest that they pocketed approximately $36,560 by certifying work hours that were never performed. As the case unfolds, it raises serious questions about accountability and transparency within public institutions. Both employees have pleaded not guilty and face significant legal repercussions as the investigation continues.

Long Beach Employees Face Grand Theft Charges Over Fraudulent Timesheets

In an unsettling twist of events, two employees from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) find themselves entangled in a grand theft scandal, drawing the attention of the local community and raising eyebrows throughout the educational landscape.

Oscar Perez Almanza, 39, and Hender Noe Maxwell, 38, have both pleaded not guilty to charges of grand theft, as prosecutors from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office allege the pair engaged in a scheme to pocket a massive sum of university funds.

Submitting Nonexistent Work Hours

The accusations against Almanza and Maxwell stem from the submission of fraudulent timesheets that certified hundreds of hours of work that were simply never performed. The accounts of their alleged misdeeds unfold during the calendar year of 2022, adding up to a staggering total of approximately $36,560.

Maxwell, a former grounds worker in the Athletics Department, is accused of filing timesheets for hours post-employment, while Almanza, acting as a field supervisor, allegedly approved these bogus requests for payment, fully aware that Maxwell was no longer working at CSULB. This stranglehold of deception has led to serious questions about the management and oversight within not only the university staff but also the larger educational institution.

The Alleged Scheme

According to investigators, this supposed theft didn’t involve a hasty or single encounter. Instead, it shows a level of planning, sophistication, and professionalism that is deeply concerning. Reports indicate that after leaving his position, Maxwell managed to get payment from the university and then split the proceeds with Almanza, creating a web of betrayal that extends beyond a simple lapse in judgment.

The CSULB Police Department took the responsibility of investigating the case, unearthing the details that would eventually lead to the formal charges. The allegations have been met with a wave of disapproval from officials, including District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who emphasized the potential ramifications such acts have on taxpayers and the student body. This case is a stark reminder of the importance of integrity within California’s public university system, which hinges on public trust and taxpayer funding.

What’s Next for the Defendants?

Following their arraignment, both Almanza and Maxwell were released on their own recognizance but now face certain restrictions, including the requirement to give up their passports. The legal proceedings will continue, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 14. Should the court find them guilty of the charges against them, they could face a potential sentence of three years in county jail.

The Broader Impact

The fallout from this incident raises alarm bells not only within CSULB but across all public educational institutions. This revelation serves as a critical reminder to uphold transparency and responsibility in public service roles. The trust bestowed upon educators and university employees must not be undermined by the actions of a few. The significant monetary damage caused to the university further emphasizes the need for stringent accountability measures going forward.

As the community and university officials await the upcoming legal proceedings, the importance of vigilance against fraud and maintaining ethical standards in public institutions becomes more pressing than ever. The case continues to unfold, and the implications may resonate well beyond the walls of CSULB, potentially impacting how public universities manage their trust and finances.