Former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr pleads guilty to embezzling nearly $40 million

NOGALES, Ariz. – Former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr will let a judge decide what’s next for her after pleading guilty to three felonies for stealing nearly $40 million from the county over 10 years.

in front of a full room Santa Cruz County elected officials and a district court judge, Gutfahr pleaded guilty, admitting that the money was used to purchase real estate, manage various businesses and purchase at least 20 vehicles.

Gutfahr is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6.

The case has sparked controversy over how Santa Cruz County handles its finances going forward.

Some residents believe the county board should have better control of where the money goes.

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The general feeling is that the county treasurer has too much unfettered control.

Gutfahr was found guilty of embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion.

The plea agreement did not specify a sentencing range, but Gutfahr owes about $38.7 million; More than $10 million of that debt is in taxes and additional fines.

Sentences can range from probation to decades in prison.