PINAL COUNTY, Ariz — A former Central Arizona College basketball coach has been arrested after she was accused of pocketing student financial aid and fundraiser money, officials said.
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office said 44-year-old Denise Cardenas was recently arrested in Yuma following an investigation into allegations of theft.
Four students, a parent, and the school came forward with allegations accusing the coach of stealing up to $28,000. The alleged crimes occurred between 2021 and 2022.
Cardenas is facing multiple charges of theft and fraud.
According to a PinalCentral article, the coach allegedly told students they needed to pay back a portion of their scholarship money and instructed them to send the money directly to her.
PCSO said they believe other people may have been victimized by the suspect. Anyone with info can call 520-866-5111.
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