By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com
The former executive director of a Yolo County agency that advocates for children has been arrested on suspicion of embezzlement of the organization.
Claudean Medlock, 54, of Carmichael, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, embezzlement, grand theft and petty theft.
Woodland police said they were contacted July 29 by the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) agency, which advocates for children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned and placed into foster care in Yolo County.
Detectives conducted an investigation that revealed that CASA employee Medlock allegedly embezzled about $30,000 using a department debit card.
She is suspected of withdrawing the money between April and July this year and spending it at four different casinos.
In a statement released by CASA, Board President Mila Spengler said that the organization was notified by the bank on July 27 of irregularities to the CASA account.
After an internal review, Medlock was placed on administrative leave. She was later fired.
Spengler said CASA plans to hire an outside firm to do an audit. Pam Nardinelli, training and recruitment manager, has been appointed interim executive director.
"The Yolo County CASA board is taking every available step to fully recover the lost funds," Spengler said. "Meanwhile, we remain focused on maintaining the trust of our volunteers, who are the heart of our organization, our communities and our donors."
CASA Facts:
-- Recruited, trained and supervised 300 community volunteers since 1996.
-- Helped more than 450 youth in Yolo County.
-- Annual operationg budget of about $250,000.
-- Each volunteer must make an 18-month commitment to CASA and the children.
-- CASA has five staff members.
Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.
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