Manager accused of theft

Bookstore manager charged with embezzlement

Kat Mabry/ Roundup

The Pierce College Bookstore manager was arrested Aug. 25 for alleged embezzlement, according to Jane Robinson, spokeswomen for the District Attorney’s Office.

The Pacific Division of the Los Angeles Police Department arrested the Bookstore Manager Kim Saunders after they received a report from the Pierce College Sheriff’s Department, according to Deputy Ron Knoles.

“[Someone from] administration called us up there,” said Knoles. “There was a discrepancy with some of the cashiers’ money bags.”

Saunders, 49, pled not guilty to the charges and was released on $20,000 bail, according to Robinson.

“I have no comment at this time,” said Saunders. “But this is part of a long standing case and investigation of harassment and abuse since I began and it’s been well documented.”

The case was made against her Aug. 2, according to the District Attorney’s Office

The campus sheriffs investigated the situation, but Saunders was not arrested the day she was contacted in regard to the incident, according to Knoles.

Following the report, a detective took over the case and a warrant was made for her arrest, according to Knoles.

“She is currently employed by the college and that’s all we can say,” said Mofe Doyle, Pierce College Human Resources senior administrative analyst.

Pierce College faculty and Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) employees related to the incident were given the opportunity to comment and choose not to.

“Can’t really comment since she’s an employee and it would violate her rights,” said Jeff Greenman, counsel for the LACCD.

A district attorney has not been assigned to the case, according to Maureen Green, filing district attorney.

The campus Sheriffs charged Saunders with a felony, for the alleged embezzlement of approximately $2,000, which if convicted, would generally result in one year in prison, according to Knoles.

“To me any amount is too big with a supervisor messing around with the school’s money,” said Knoles. “I haven’t seen [anything like] it before.

Vice President of Administrative Services, Ken Takeda, said the matter was a personal one and he was not at liberty to comment at this time, in an email Monday.

“We’ve concluded our investigation,” said Knoles. “The whole matter has been passed on to the D.A.’s office.”

Saunders was given the opportunity to turn herself in prior to her arrest but did not, according to Knoles.

“Nothing surprises me the way the economy’s going,” said Knoles.

“The college has no comment at this time,” said college President Kathleen Burke-Kelly.

Saunders has been ordered to appear at the Van Nuys Courthouse Oct. 6 at noon for the preliminary hearing.