SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Ariz. — Charges have been filed against Santa Cruz County's former treasurer that accuse the one-time elected official of stealing over $38 million in public funds.
A charging document filed this week against Elizabeth Gutfahr charges her with money laundering, embezzlement and tax evasion. Gutfahr is accused of enriching herself over the course of several years by fraudulently wiring money out of the county's accounts.
In 2019, Gutfahr allegedly used about $670,579 in stolen public funds to purchase a $1.2-million property in Arizona, according to prosecutor's charging document. A few months later, Gutfahr allegedly used another $757,000 in public funds to buy a $2.7-million ranch.
"Defendant Gutfahr engaged in ongoing fraudulent practices to hide the true purpose of the fraudulent wire transfers and conceal her thefts over time," the charging document states.
Gutfahr, who had been in office since 2013, resigned as county treasurer earlier this year soon after county officials began investigating the alleged embezzlement. Santa Cruz County recently filed a lawsuit against the state and auditor general over the matter.
The Arizona county has also filed litigation in court to recover the funds allegedly stolen by the former treasurer.
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