Santa Cruz County School Superintendent Indicted

(Phoenix, Ariz. – Nov. 28, 2005)  The Arizona State Grand Jury has indicted Robert Canchola, Santa Cruz County School Superintendent, on 40 felony counts. They include 16 counts of theft, three counts of misuse of public monies, one count of fraud and 20 counts of conflict of interest. 

The indictment alleges that Canchola used public monies to pay for his personal car repairs and his car loan payments.  The indictment further alleges that Canchola created a company account and had Santa Cruz County School funds deposited into this account to pay for personal expenses. The conflict of interest counts allege that he failed to declare a conflict on transactions where his family had substantial interests in companies awarded contracts by Santa Cruz County.

The Arizona Auditor General’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the charges filed with the State Grand Jury. Its report was released today.

Canchola is scheduled to appear in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on Dec. 5 for his initial appearance. Assistant Attorney General Desi Rubalcaba is prosecuting the case.

Copies of the indictment and Auditor General’s report are attached.

Indictment19.53 KB
Report5.17 MB