Tolleson Union High School District—Theft and Misuse of Public Monies

As part of its responsibility to prevent and detect fraud, the Tolleson Union High School District (District) administration took appropriate action by reporting a fraud allegation to our Office. Consequently, we conducted an investigation, which revealed that from July 2009 to September 2011, Jamie Fimbres, former principal’s administrative assistant for Sierra Linda High School (SLHS), may have violated state laws related to theft, misuse of public monies, and fraud schemes when she embezzled $10,521. Specifically, Ms. Fimbres personally used public monies she deposited in her personal checking account and in a private bank account that SLHS officials erroneously authorized. These officials relied on incorrect instruction from former district administrators that they should account for certain vending machine revenues outside of the District’s accounts. Regardless, Ms. Fimbres used these monies, along with a school facility rental payment, for her personal benefit.

On December 15, 2014, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office presented evidence of Ms. Fimbres’ alleged crimes to the State Grand Jury, resulting in her indictment on three felony counts.