Former Eloy School District Payroll Clerk Indicted

PHOENIX – Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced a State Grand Jury indicted a former Eloy Elementary School District payroll clerk on 14 felony counts for alleged theft and misuse of public monies. Denise Burden is accused of stealing approximately $23,504 from the school district by paying herself unapproved overtime.

From 2013 to 2016, Burden allegedly stole $23,504 from the Eloy Elementary School District while working as a payroll clerk. The OAG Division of School Audits discovered possible financial misconduct by Burden during a 2015 performance audit. OAG Special Investigations discovered Burden allegedly paid herself unapproved overtime for 38 pay periods.  In addition, she is accused of forging payroll vouchers and time sheets during this time period.

Burden is facing charges of Fraudulent Schemes & Artifices, Theft, Misuse of Public Monies, and Forgery.

Assistant Attorney General Joseph Waters is prosecuting this case.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Full copy of the Indictment.
Full copy of the Auditor General's Report.