Hyder Elementary School District—Criminal Indictment—Theft, Misuse of Public Monies, and Forgery

As part of their responsibility to prevent and detect fraud, Hyder Elementary School District (District) officials took appropriate action by reporting to us alleged financial misconduct by Nubia Gonzalez, former superintendent secretary. Our investigation revealed that in December 2020, Ms. Gonzalez allegedly embezzled $2,486 when, 3 months after she was terminated, an illicit District check in that amount was deposited in her business checking account. The action resulted in Ms. Gonzalez’s indictment on 3 felony counts related to theft, misuse of public monies, and forgery. Moreover, because District officials failed to implement basic internal controls and protect public monies, unauthorized credit card purchases were made and questionable checks were issued, resulting in an additional $9,738 District loss not directly attributed to specific employees.