Laguna Beach Bookkeeper Charged With Embezzlement Back To Court

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —Costa Mesa resident Nhora Johanna Tellez, 38, was due back in court this week, after pleading 'not guilty' to embezzlement charges in January of 2018. Tellez was charged with four counts of grand theft with sentencing enhancement allegations of property damage exceeding $200,000 and white-collar crime between $100,000 and $500,000, according to court records.

According to Laguna Beach Police Detective Bryan Hotchkiss, Tellez changed online login passwords and switched electronic notifications of the unspecified business to her email and then embezzled $265,390 from her employer.

Tellez allegedly used the money to buy plane tickets, Disney passes and a Louis Vuitton designer bag, among other purchases, and to pay for veterinarian services, Hotchkiss said.

The alleged embezzlement dates back to July 2012 and continued through the end of 2013, according to court records.

The investigation into Tellez's activities was "lengthy and time-consuming," according to Laguna Beach Police Capt. Jeff Calvert. "We brought in every available resource, including our partners from the Orange County District Attorney's Office, to ensure that this case would be appropriately investigated, prosecuted, and justice would be served."

Related:

Bookkeeper Allegedly Embezzled $250k From Laguna Employer

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Laguna Beach Police Department Photo