From Bill Lindelof:
A former UC Davis accounting coordinator has turned herself in response to an arrest warrant charging her with embezzlement and theft of more than $38,000.
Sueanna Gaines, also known as Susie Cauchi, of Yuba City, surrendered Sunday at Yolo County Jail in Woodland. A university news release states that the warrant alleges that Gaines, who served 10 years as accounting and purchasing coordinator for intercollegiate athletics, made unauthorized use of a departmental gas credit card and a purchasing card.
Gaines also allegedly misappropriated cash deposits and receipts from sales of used cell phones.
The campus police department in August asked the Yolo County district attorney to issue the warrant for Gaines, who left UC Davis employment in December.
An audit of departmental controls found breakdowns in accountability, separation of duties and cash security. UC officials say measures have been taken to correct those problems.
The university found out about the alleged embezzlement in October 2008 when some gas credit card charges were questioned.
The allegations from the UC Davis Police Department included $17,324 in unauthorized gas credit card charges, $7,512 in fraudulent transactions using a department purchasing card for items such as camera equipment and wedding supplies and $10,000 in misappropriated funds, among other charges.
Intercollegiate Athletics Director Greg Warzecka said a newly hired budget analyst is providing additional oversight.
Gaines posted bond and was released. She is scheduled to appear in Yolo Superior Court on Nov. 17.
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