Nubia Gonzalez, the former treasurer of the Cocopah Association of Parents and Teachers (APT), turned herself into authorities after being accused of embezzling over $36,000 from the organization. Gonzalez, 38, reportedly took control of the APT's bank accounts in late June and, within days, had made several substantial withdrawals.
The APT president, upon returning from vacation, found the organization's savings account had been depleted to zero. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, she, and the previous treasurer contacted their bank and discovered the unauthorized withdrawals. The investigation led Scottsdale Police to Gonzalez, who had reportedly transferred $22,300 into her personal account, to cover credit card payments and other expenses.
Court documents unveiled by AZFamily suggest that Gonzalez justified her actions by citing the stress of an unexpected out-of-state move as a reason for the theft. This move, however, was brought into question as authorities uncovered her use of a bogus address, which she had provided to enroll her children in Scottsdale schools.
When the APT leadership confronted Gonzalez about the missing funds, she initially claimed she was transferring the money to a higher-yielding savings account. Wells Fargo, however, confirmed no such account existed under the APT. In light of these events, APT board members removed her from her position and attempted to make contact, only to find that her, and her husband's phone numbers had been disconnected.
Gonzalez faces charges of theft, fraudulent schemes, and forgery. Despite turning herself in, Gonzalez has refused to speak to detectives and directed them to her legal representation. At this time, the whereabouts of the stolen $36,512 remain unknown. The Cocopah APT is now grappling with this financial void, and those wishing to support the association may find donation information on their website.
