Tempe Union High School Bookstore Manager Charged with Embezzlement

(Phoenix, Ariz. – July 8, 2009) Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced that Rebecca Sue Soto, 49, of Tempe, has been indicted on one count of fraudulent schemes and artifices and one count of theft, both class 2 felonies. 

Between July 2006 and July 2008, Soto allegedly embezzled over $192,000 from Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD), where she had been employed as bookstore manager for McClintock High School since 1992.   

According to the indictment, Soto’s position gave her access to McClintock’s bank accounts to make deposits. Soto allegedly conducted the embezzlement scheme by: 

  • Stealing cash and checks intended for deposit into the TUHSD bank accounts. 
  • Filing false reports regarding funds deposited into the TUHSD bank accounts. 
  • Manipulating the TUHSD accounting statements by using later-received funds to cover outstanding deposits. 

The case was investigated by the Tempe Police Department. Assistant Attorney General Todd Lawson is the prosecuting attorney.  A copy of the indictment is attached. 

For more information, contact Anne Hilby at (602) 542-8019.

Indictment1.85 MB