Ex-SMC Sheriff's Activity League Exec Charged With Stealing $25K

REDWOOD CITY, CA — A former San Mateo County Sheriff’s Activities League executive was arrested Friday on suspicion of embezzling $25,000, authorities said.

Barbara Bonilla, who served as the SAL’s executive director and was also a Sheriff’s Office employee, was charged with seven counts for grand theft and booked into county jail, authorities said. Her bail was set at $70,000.

The SAL is a non-profit organization affiliated with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

Bonilla’s arrest followed a California State Attorney General’s Office probe conducted at the Sheriff’s Office’s request.

She was placed on administrative leave Feb. 10 after a preliminary internal review revealed evidence of possible fraudulent activity, the Sheriff’s Office said.

An SAL bookkeeper noticed financial discrepancies in January led to the internal review according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Bonilla resigned from her position with the Sheriff’s Office in May and is no longer affiliated with the SAL Program.

“SAL and its entire staff was shocked and saddened to learn of the allegations,” Sheriff Carlos G. Bolanos said in a statement.

“We are committed to providing service to our community and building positive relationships with our youth. We will continue to move forward with SAL for the impactful work the program does in our community.”

The SAL was founded in by1997 by former Sheriff Don Horsley with the intent of strengthening relationships between youth, deputies, and communities to aid in the intervention and prevention of juvenile delinquency.

It’s been expanded in recent years to serve approximately 3,500 youths each year.