Galt Police Arrest Treasurer in $200K Liberty Ranch Booster Club Theft

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Galt police announced that they have arrested the organization’s treasurer after a months-long investigation into the disappearance of nearly $200,000 from Liberty Ranch High School’s Athletics Booster Club.

The Galt Police Department said the treasurer was taken into custody without incident at their business in Elk Grove. The arrest follows a detailed probe into unauthorized expenditures that reportedly drained the booster club’s funds, money meant to support over 400 student-athletes and school sports programs.

According to officials, concerns first surfaced in March when a Liberty Ranch High School Athletics Booster Club board member noticed financial discrepancies during a routine audit. The irregularities prompted the club to contact law enforcement, setting the stage for an investigation that would span several months and multiple locations.

As detectives unraveled the case, search warrants were issued for various locations, including the suspect’s home. Galt police confirmed they recovered electronic devices and financial documents during the operation, which provided crucial insight into the unauthorized transactions.

“Over several months, detectives authored and served multiple search warrants to various businesses, including Costco, Walmart, Amazon, Instacart, and City of Galt utilities,” Galt police said in a news release. The nature of the purchases suggested the suspect had used club funds for personal gain rather than school-related expenses.

Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity, but police described them as the “primary suspect” in the embezzlement case. Jail records confirmed the individual was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on felony embezzlement charges and was later released on Friday after posting a $10,000 bail.

While the financial loss itself is significant, police emphasized the broader damage caused by the betrayal of trust.

“This case is particularly troubling because the impact reaches far beyond the theft itself,” the department said. “It represents a betrayal of trust against an entire community devoted to supporting our Galt youth.”

The Liberty Ranch Athletics Booster Club plays a vital role in the community by funding student-athletes’ sports equipment, uniforms, travel, and other essential needs. The misappropriation of funds has cast a shadow over the club’s mission and left parents, students, and community members reeling.

Authorities stressed that the investigation involved cooperation with multiple retail entities and municipal agencies, illustrating the extent of the misuse. The search into financial activity at household retailers and service providers uncovered numerous suspicious purchases, leading investigators closer to confirming the theft.

No additional suspects have been named at this time, and the booster club has yet to issue a public comment. It remains unclear whether the stolen funds will be recovered, but the arrest is a critical step in restoring accountability.

The Galt Police Department has pledged transparency as the case progresses and urged nonprofit organizations to regularly audit their accounts and implement checks and balances to prevent future fraud.

The department did not disclose whether the suspect has retained legal counsel or entered a plea.