Ex-Alameda Nonprofit Worker Embezzled Thousands In 'Elaborate' Scheme: Police

ALAMEDA, CA — A former Alameda nonprofit employee was arrested in connection with a long-running scheme where they embezzled thousands, authorities said.

Authorities say officers were tipped off about the scheme in October and learned that a former employee had possibly embezzled about $22,000 from the organization.

Months went by, and officers discovered the employee had set up an "elaborate" scheme that they had been carrying out for several years, according to the Alameda Police Department. The scheme resulted in a loss of nearly half a million dollars for the nonprofit, police said.

Police last week arrested the suspect in connection with the scheme and forwarded their case to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office who will review the case and decide whether there is enough evidence to charge the suspect.

The Alameda Police Department did not identify the nonprofit or the suspect. No details about what the scheme entailed were immediately available.

Police offered the following tips to local businesses and organizations to help reduce the risk of embezzlement:

• Don't let only one person oversee all financial responsibilities
• Implement a checks and balances system
• Conduct regular internal audits and financial reviews
• Be wary if a worker refuses to have someone review their work
• Separate financial duties among multiple employees to increase transparency.