California Woman Accused of Theft from Cops

(Santa Barbara, California) A 22-year-old office supervisor formerly at the Santa Barbara Police Department, Karen Flores, has been accused of embezzling at least $100,000 from her employer.

Flores has been charged with grand theft by embezzlement with enhancements of being more than $65,000, which could add a year to a sentence if convicted, and being more than $100,000, which can make someone presumptively ineligible for probation.

She also faces four counts of destroying parking citations. District Attorney’s Office investigators are trying to find out more details as quickly as possible, but for now Cota said $100,000 is the amount he’s comfortable alleging.

Deputy Police Chief Frank Mannix said last week that the city’s Finance Department noticed a discrepancy in parking citation funds and contacted police. A team of investigators ruled out several possible scenarios and determined that embezzlement could be the only plausible cause. Mannix said they eventually found evidence that pointed to Flores.

Flores was booked and released on her own recognizance.