Former Winchester police officer charged in embezzlement of youth charity funds www.privateofficer.com

 

 

WINCHESTER CA Feb 25 2012 - A former police officer who lives in Winchester was arrested today on charges of stealing more than $60,000 from an Orange County charity that raises money for youth scholarships.

Kirk Robert Lotzgesell, 43, is charged with felony grand theft, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Lotzgesell, who was arrested by Brea police, was being held in lieu of $60,000 bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Monday.

Lotzgesell is accused of stealing from the Orange County Cop Bowl Association, which includes police officers who play football games against other law enforcement personnel and firefighters to raise money for Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] student scholarships.

Lotzgesell was on the La Habra police force until January 2006. He volunteered for the unpaid treasurer post for the association in 2007 after lying to the organization’s officials, saying he was an active law enforcement officer but was on medical leave, prosecutors allege.

Lotzgesell is accused of embezzling the money by writing checks to himself and getting cash through ATMs. The alleged scheme was discovered when the Internal Revenue Service contacted the organization about the failure to file tax returns, triggering a financial review, according to prosecutors.

Lotzgesell could face up to three years in prison if convicted.