Sacramento Man Arrested for Allegedly Embezzling More Than $1 Million
Kevin Manz booking photo
SACRAMENTO — A Sacramento man was arrested on Thursday, July 22, 2016, and booked into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of grand theft involving the embezzlement of more than $1 million from three local charities.
Kevin Marcus Manz, 59, allegedly redirected funds from Cathedral Pioneer Church Homes Inc., Cathedral Pioneer Church Homes Foundation, and the Pioneer Foundation to his personal and business accounts and proceeded to buy such items as automobiles and jewelry.
Manz, a licensed attorney in Kansas, was able to gain the trust of Sacramento area church congregations and charity boards and persuaded numerous charitable organizations to allow him to manage their financial accounts, including foundations set up for senior housing.
“He was a good guy, just got out of hand,” commented Pioneer Congregational Church member Chuck Schepel.
His arrest follows an investigation by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Investigation and the Tax Recovery and Criminal Enforcement Task Force that spanned five months. The Attorney General’s Fraud and Special Prosecutions Section will prosecute the case.
“Preying on charities that benefit senior citizens is despicable behavior that will not be tolerated,” said Attorney General Kamala Harris. “My office will continue to prosecute those who embezzle and misuse charitable funds for personal gain.”
Online jail records indicate that Manz’s first court appearance is set for Monday, July 25, 2016. Bail remains set at $750,000.
