Santa Cruz County is suing its former County Treasurer on a claim that she embezzled millions of dollars. Now a court order just took away Elizabeth Gutfahrs control of her assets so she cant conceal them.
More than 39 million dollars missing. Thatll get your attention wont it? Thats what Santa Cruz County says it is missing as a result of actions by a now resigned County Treasurer so its suing to try to get that money back, with triple damages.
The lawsuit is filed in Pima County Superior Court against former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr says instead of protecting taxpayer money, she stole it. In one motion, the Countys Lawyers say:
…for more than a decade, Gutfahr used County funds as her own personal piggy bank to fund an opulent and extravagant lifestylepurchasing several ranches, vehicles and more with County funds all across the state.
Santa Cruz County says Gutfahr used a complex series of false financial reports and transactions to hide 181 transfers of more than 39 million dollars to companies she controls.
The County’s lawyers say she kept the state auditor from getting wise by avoiding transfers in months when the auditor was more likely to track transactions.
While Santa Cruz County sues in Civil court, the Countys lawyers say the FBI is investigating a possible criminal case.
In the latest move, the judge in the case granted Santa Cruz Countys request to appoint someone to take control of Gutfahrs assets to keep her from hiding them.
While requesting the receivership, the lawyers told the judge: Gutfahrs decade-long raiding of County funds demonstrates her lack of regard for the Countys interests. Nothing is stopping her at this point attempting to liquidate these assets in an effort to move the proceeds to somewhere beyond the Countys reach.
KGUN9 tried to hear Gutfahrs side of the story. We reached her by phone, and she hung up on us.