A 34 count complaint has been filed by the state Attorney Generals office names four Fresno County employees, in an elaborate theft ring that netted over one hundred thousand dollars from nine separate estates.
The focus of the investigation is the Fresno County Public Administrator’s Office, the administration was dismantled in 2015 and placed under the district attorneys office.
The complaint lists 31 separate complaints of overt theft including cars, money, china dishes, jewelry and other valuables.
Noe Jimenez, 49, was fingered as the ring leader and faces 22 felony counts, including embezzlement, perjury and conspiracy. He is in jail on $195,000 bail.
Susan Patricia Nesbitt, 50, was charged with nine counts of embezzlement and conspiracy. She has been released from jail on Wednesday after posting an $80,000 bail.
Ree Bruce, 61, has been charged with four felonies but has not been captured. He is currently wanted a $35,000 state warrant. All three worked for the Public Administrator’s Office in managing estates.
Marty McClue, 54, who worked in the Fresno County Public Guardian’s Office, was charged with felony embezzlement and conspiracy. He is wanted on a $20,000 state warrant.
It is the most disturbing thing that has happened to me since I was sworn in (in January 2015),” Smittcamp said at the time. “It is absolutely unacceptable to me as a citizen, as an elected official and as the district attorney of this county. I am disgusted by this behavior and I will not tolerate it and I will not allow it to continue.
Four others were charged in connection with the theft ring as well.
Terrence L. Ward, 54, on five felony counts of embezzlement, receiving stolen property and conspiracy.
Desiree Robledo, 29, two felony counts of receiving stolen property and conspiracy.
Kirsten Paxton, 23, one felony count of receiving stolen property.
William E. Stoutingburg, 29, is wanted on two felony counts of conspiracy and embezzlement.
