As originally reported by almanacnews.com, a San Mateo woman was arrested at the end of July on suspicion that she embezzled more than $1 million over two years from a Menlo Park, CA, company, Creekside Landscaping Inc.
Shannon Cardenas, who worked as office manager for the company, was arrested at her workplace in Redwood City and booked into San Mateo County jail, police said. Cardenas worked for the company from March 2013 until March of this year when she resigned.
Detectives said they have been working on this case since she left the company and the owners reported the suspected embezzlement in March after they took over accounting functions, including payroll, bill payment, and reconciling credit accounts and bank statements.
After months of investigation, detectives said they obtained an arrest warrant for Cardenas and a search warrant for her residence.
Cardenas is alleged to have "fraudulently written and signed company checks to give her overtime and bonuses and to pay her rent," Detective Sgt. Sharon Kaufman said in a statement. "She also allegedly used company credit cards to purchase and pay for personal items to include trips, vehicles, and a multitude of other personal expenses."
Police said they turned the case over to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office for prosecution. Cardenas was arraigned on felony charges that include embezzlement and identity theft. According to prosecutors she has pleaded not guilty.
