Santa Cruz County Revisits $38M Embezzlement Case

Santa Cruz County is reigniting legal action against former Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr, who allegedly embezzled $38 million over ten years by funneling public funds into fake companies for personal use—including remodeling her ranch, buying property, funding her cattle business, and acquiring at least twenty vehicles. After a judge dismissed their original lawsuit over alleged open meetings violations, county supervisors are now exploring appeals or refiling to hold state Auditor General’s office accountable. A receiver has already recovered nearly $7 million by liquidating Gutfahr’s assets, including properties in Arizona and Mexico, vehicles, equipment, and cattle. The county remains determined to recover the lost funds and pursue justice. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f430420e5ae2d146