Former Treasurer for Pine-Strawberry Water Improvement District Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Theft

PINE – Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced Michael Scott Greer, the former treasurer of the Pine-Strawberry Water Improvement District (District), pleaded guilty to fraud and conflict of interest charges for failing to disclose his financial interest in two vendors who were awarded contracts by the District. In addition, Greer pleaded guilty to theft from the Gila County Mounted Posse.

Between 2011 and 2012, the District sought bids for the installation and maintenance of 13 wells. While serving as a member of the District board, Greer facilitated the submission of bids from two vendors; one for the installation contract and a second for the maintenance contract. Greer failed to inform the District of his financial interest in these vendors and he participated in drafting the bids prior to the District’s awarding of the contracts. Greer ultimately received approximately $65,895 from the District under the contracts. 

In 2011 and 2012, Greer also served as the treasurer for the Gila County Mounted Posse (Posse). Between April of 2011 and August of 2012, Greer used $38,706 in Posse funds for personal expenses. To cover his use of funds, Greer falsely reported Posse account balances during board meetings. Greer sought to repay the funds taken from the Posse through funds borrowed from a family member under false pretenses.  Greer then failed to repay the loan until after he was charged.  

On November 7, 2018, Greer pleaded guilty to one count of Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, a class 2 felony, Conflict of Interest, a class 5 felony, and Theft, a class 4 felony. He faces a range in the Department of Corrections between 1.5 and 2.5 years and will be placed on probation with white-collar terms following his release from prison. In addition, Greer will pay a fine of $65,865.  Greer repaid restitution of approximately $42,000 prior to pleading guilty.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2019.