Attorney General Mayes Announces Misuse of Public Funds and Forgery Convictions Against Former Yuma Elementary School District Employee

PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that a former Yuma Elementary School District employee, Mercedes Brena (a.k.a. Mercedes Ruiz) has been convicted of two felonies — Misuse of Public Monies, a Class 4 Felony, and Possession of a Forgery Device, a Class 6 Designated Felony — for stealing nearly $86,000 in public funds.

"When public funds meant for the education of Arizona's children are stolen or misused, there must be accountability,” said Attorney General Mayes. “My office will always stand up for the students, families, and taxpayers who deserve their tax dollars being spent appropriately."

From November 2021 to October 2022, the defendant used her position as a Human Resources Specialist to steal from the district by forging and submitting fraudulent timesheets to a third-party payroll processing company, stealing money orders intended for the school, and using school district credit cards to purchase gift cards for personal use.

Brena pleaded guilty to the charges and her sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Maricopa County Superior Court. The plea agreement includes a stipulated minimum restitution of $85,988.70.

The Arizona Auditor General’s Office investigated this case and the Fraud and Special Prosecutions Section of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the case.

A copy of the indictment is available. A copy of the plea agreement is available.