Former Arizona school district employee pleads guilty to stealing public funds

PHOENIX — A former Yuma Elementary School District employee has been convicted after stealing almost $86,000 in public funds, authorities said.

According to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Mercedes Brena worked as a human resources specialist for the district and stole money from November 2021 to October 2022.

Brena was convicted of two felonies: misuse of public monies and possession of a forgery device.

How employee stole from Yuma Elementary School District

Prosecutors said Brena stole taxpayer money by:

• Taking money orders meant for the Yuma Elementary School District.
• Forging and submitting fraudulent timesheets to a third‑party payroll company.
• Buying personal gift cards with school district credit cards.

Brena pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, according to the attorney general’s office.

“When public funds meant for the education of Arizona’s children are stolen or misused, there must be accountability,” Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a Friday press release.

As part of her plea deal, Brena must pay a minimum restitution of $85,988.70.

“My office will always stand up for the students, families and taxpayers who deserve their tax dollars being spent appropriately,” Mayes said.

Related

Phoenix preschool worker arrested on child pornography chargesPhoenix kindergarten teacher wins Pay Tribute to a Teacher award for AugustArizona’s Democratic superintendent nominee wants public schools to get stockpiled ESA fundsAZ Political Podcast: Former math teacher Teresa Leyba Ruiz hopes numbers add up in NovemberPeoria Unified board member questions quality of training, alleges sex scandal cover-upPeoria Unified governing board members deny accusations surrounding teacher sex case