Lompico water secretary charged with embezzlement

The former secretary and bookkeeper of the Lompico County Water District faces felony charges for allegedly stealing more than $4,900 in cash from the district during her employment.
“There could be some more,” district attorney’s office chief investigator Mike Roe said.
Roe said there were no complaints from customers. The discrepancy was found during an investigation of the district by the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury.
Marinda Kelly, 39, of Scotts Valley was arrested April 29. According to court records, she was previously convicted of a felony theft in 2008.
District board members discovered the missing cash while auditing the district’s accounting books and reported it to the grand jury, which then turned the information over to authorities.
Roe said the alleged embezzlement started in summer 2008 and continued into 2009.
“People would come in to pay their water bill with cash,” Roe said. “Instead of (depositing it) she would put it in her pocket.”
Kelly was hired in September 2008 and terminated in February 2010.
“She was interviewed, admitted to the theft and was remorseful,” Roe said about the recent theft.
A full report by the grand jury is expected in June detailing the situation and practices of the district. In the past several months, the district has undergone major changes, including the termination of its longtime general manager, the resignation of a board member due to health concerns, and Kelly’s termination in February.
The district has since hired a new secretary and is being operated by a consultant rather than a full-time general manager.