PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. — A former basketball coach for Central Arizona College was sentenced Monday to four months in prison after she pleaded guilty to fraud and theft.
Denise Cardenas' conviction in Pinal County Superior Court was the result of an investigation that determined the athletic coach was telling students they had to pay half of their tuition, despite the fact these students were attending CAC on a full scholarship.
A review of the defendant's bank account records revealed that the victims were depositing money into Cardenas' personal account, according to the Pinal County Attorney's Office.
Cardenas, 45, additionally solicited money from a player's family to cover the cost of new uniforms, though the money was never deposited into the basketball team's account. Money generated from a holiday fundraiser was also missing from the team's account.
"To see such a trusted and revered community member prey on her players for her own financial gain is saddening,” Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer said in a statement. “I’m proud of the victims that had the courage to come forward and help hold their coach accountable.”
Cardenas will be placed on supervised probation for three years following her release from prison and she must pay $25,000 in restitution to the college.
PCAO said the college has already refunded the students who were defrauded by the defendant.
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