Laguna Beach CFO Used Company Profits To Fund Lavish Lifestyle: Police

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A south Orange County businesswoman was arrested for allegedly carrying out a financial fraud scheme and stealing over $300,000 from a furniture manufacturing company in Laguna Beach, police said Monday.

Laguna Beach police officers arrested former CFO/Controller Rebecca Buehler in Redondo Beach this week for reportedly stealing money from a furniture manufacturing business that she was formerly employed by to fund a "lavish lifestyle."

"A furniture manufacturing business based in Laguna Beach has been the victim of a significant financial fraud scheme carried out by its former Controller/CFO, Rebecca Buehler," the Laguna Beach Police Department said in a statement. "The victim, who had built the business over two decades, decided to close in 2024 due to declining sales and losses."

According to police, the owner of the business attempted to close the company's bank account before discovering a "substantial discrepancy" in the account balance.

Upon further investigation, police found that Buehler had used the company's funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including purchasing luxury handbags, alcohol and a luxury SUV.

Buehler was arrested in Redondo Beach and booked into the Orange County Jail. She faces seven felony counts of Grand Theft, including an enhancement for theft exceeding $100,000, police said.

As of now, the total amount stolen exceeds $300,000, authorities said. For further information regarding this arrest, please contact Sergeant Randy Bitonti at (949) 497-0701, ext. 214.