An investigation into alleged theft by two former members of the Cal State Long Beach athletics department has uncovered a payroll fraud scheme that resulted in the theft of thousands of taxpayer dollars from the university. Oscar Perez Almanza, 38, and Hender Noe Maxwell, 38, are facing charges of conspiracy to commit grand theft and grand theft after authorities discovered that they had been submitting false time sheets and splitting the profits.
According to L.A. County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman, the pair orchestrated the scheme in 2022 when Almanza was working as a field supervisor in the athletics department and Maxwell had left his position as a grounds worker. Maxwell allegedly submitted false time sheets, claiming hundreds of hours of work that he did not actually perform, which Almanza then approved despite knowing that Maxwell was no longer employed by the university.
The fraudulent activities resulted in a total of $36,560 being stolen from the university, with the two individuals sharing the profits between them. Hochman expressed shock and disappointment at the alleged criminal behavior, emphasizing the impact of such actions on the public funding and trust that institutions like California State University, Long Beach rely on.
“These brazen acts of criminality are a violation of the public trust and have far-reaching consequences for taxpayers and the students who depend on the university for affordable education and career opportunities,” Hochman stated in a press release.
The district attorney’s office is pursuing enhancements to the charges against Almanza and Maxwell, citing the planning, sophistication, professionalism, and significant monetary value of the theft. If convicted, the two individuals could face a maximum sentence of three years in county jail.
Following their arraignment, Almanza and Maxwell were released under the condition that they surrender their passports and are scheduled to appear in court on April 14. The investigation into the case was conducted by the CSULB Police Department, with university officials expressing gratitude for the initial probe and subsequent legal action.
Jim Milbury, director of news media services at Cal State Long Beach, commended the efforts of the University Police and the district attorney’s office in addressing the matter, underscoring the importance of upholding integrity and accountability within the institution.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of fraudulent activities within educational institutions, highlighting the need for robust oversight and monitoring to prevent financial misconduct and protect the interests of students and taxpayers alike. The implications of such actions extend beyond the individuals involved, impacting the broader community and eroding trust in public institutions.