Former Garden City Police Association treasurer charged with grand theft
A former treasurer with the Garden City Police Association was arrested this week after police alleged she stole a significant amount of money from the organization.
Jenna Nichole Rodriguez was arrested Nov. 13 and charged with grand theft after an internal audit revealed transfers were made from the association's bank accounts to hers.
According to a news release from the association, the July audit showed financial documentation did not match statements made by the then-treasurer. The release stated they found all three of the associations’ banking accounts, for fundraising, scholarships and member accounts, had “significant funds” missing.
The association found that transfers from those association accounts were made to a personal account, and unauthorized purchases were made from a debit card issued for the accounts.
At the end of the audit, the findings were presented to the Garden City Police Department Administration, and the employee was immediately placed on administrative leave, the association stated. She resigned from her position with the Garden City Police Department prior to an internal investigation.
The Meridian Police Department then headed a criminal investigation into the matter, and presented the findings to a Canyon County court to issue the arrest warrant.
“The Garden City Police Officers Association, and more importantly the community, are the victims of this crime and the actions of Ms. Rodriguez,” the release stated. “The Garden City Police Officer Association has implemented several changes to ensure that no individual member can transfer funds or authorize purchases without the approval of multiple Executive Board members.”
The association is a nonprofit Garden City Police Department employee organization created to interact with the community, according to its website.
The funds the organization uses include community donations, all of which the association said is used to support community events, local high school athletic teams, the Boys & Girls Club and helps support families and victims of violent crimes. The association also has an annual scholarship that helps high school seniors pay for college or trade school.
“The financial loss was staggering, but our determination to serve the community is greater,” the release stated. “Community partners and current GCPOA members have since donated their own funds to ensure that the programs highlighted will continue in the future.”
