Former Capistrano Unified School District Fundraising Director Charged with Embezzling Funds

The former executive director of the Capistrano Unified School District Foundation has been charged with embezzling more than $42,000 from the non-profit's accounts.

Forty-four-year-old Michelle Hart from Fresno, was charged with six felony counts of misappropriation or embezzlement of monies by a public officer. She’s accused of embezzling the money by writing checks to herself and making unauthorized purchases on the Foundation bank card.

CUSDF, now the CARE Foundation, is a non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation. The mission of the Foundation is to raise money by developing partnerships with businesses and the community to enhance the quality of education for every student in the Capistrano Unified School District.

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

Hart was arrested by the Fresno Police Department last week.