The Ventura County Sheriff's Office has reported an arrest in connection to a grand theft from an Ojai business. Former employee Suzzann Villegas, 54, of Port Hueneme, was detained after authorities discovered numerous unauthorized charges made using company funds. The theft, reported over several years, amounted to a staggering loss of over $100,000. These findings were brought to light in a recent investigation into the business situated on the 400 Block of Bryant Circle.
According to the information released on Nixle, Ojai detectives, following an in-depth investigation that included a detailed review of financial statements, obtained an arrest warrant from the Ventura County Superior Court. The charges against Villegas include grand theft, more specifically embezzlement, and unauthorized use of another’s personal information. Caught arresting on November 21st were Ojai detectives and patrol deputies, who located Villegas at her residence.
Villegas was subsequently booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura, with bail set at $20,000. The press release, prepared by Detective Joseph Sharif and approved by Captain Steven Jenkins, also details that Villegas' booking photo is slated for release. Ventura County Crime Stoppers has put forth an offer of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and criminal complaint against those responsible for the crime.
For further information or updates, Detective Joseph Sharif at the Ojai Police Station can be contacted. The Ojai Station, working diligently in the darkness of deceit brought forth by this case, aims to cast light on matters that erode trust within the local business community. "Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime," articulated the official statement, dangling the prospect of a reward for anonymous tipsters in the hopes of deterring future transgressions.
