Former Capistrano Unified School District Foundation Fundraising Director Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Funds

The former executive director of the Capistrano Unified School District Foundation has pleaded guilty to three felony counts of embezzlement for stealing from the non-profit's accounts.

Colleen Hart from Fresno, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of misappropriation or embezzlement of monies. She was charged with the crimes in August after it was discovered that she embezzled the money by writing checks to herself and making unauthorized purchases on the foundation’s bank card.

Hart was sentenced to 180 days in jail and five years felony probation. She was also ordered to pay back $18,000 in restitution to the nonprofit in addition to the $10,000 she has already paid back.

Hart had served as the executive director for the foundation from May 2014 until December 2017 and resigned from her position after the theft was discovered.