Chief Operations Officer Arrested for Embezzlement at a Small Business in Atascadero

An executive team member of a small-sized business located in Atascadero was apprehended earlier this week. He was charged with embezzling a substantial amount, running into hundreds of thousands of dollars, from the firm.

Arrest of Executive Employee in Paso Robles

Robert Vasquez, a resident of Paso Robles and the Chief Operations Officer of Scott O’Brien Fire and Safety, was apprehended on Thursday. He is under suspicion of illicitly diverting over $400,000 from the company’s funds. This information was revealed in a press release by the Atascadero Police Department.

Suspicion and Investigation of Employee Embezzlement

In May, the first contact with the police was initiated by the company’s owner. He reported a suspected incident of embezzlement by an employee.

According to the police, Vasquez, who is 37 years old, embezzled as much as $423,460 from the business. This embezzlement spanned nearly five years, from January 2019 to October 2023.

Alleged Misuse of Company’s Funds

The police stated that Vasquez exploited the company’s money for his personal needs. These included paying his rent, settling personal credit card bills, making unauthorized cash withdrawals from the company’s bank account, and covering other personal expenses.

Suspect Apprehended & Detained

Vasquez was arrested on suspicion of embezzlement and is currently detained at the San Luis Obispo County Jail. His bail has been set at a sum of $20,000.

In a statement about this case, the Atascadero Police Department reinforced their commitment to securing justice and protecting the community from financial crimes.

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