Former college district workers take plea deal for embezzlement in California

The San Mateo County Community College District's former information technology director and another worker who misused the agency's credit card to buy $350,000 worth of goods that they later sold online pleaded no contest to their respective charges of embezzlement, forgery and identity theft.
Former director Bradley John Witham, 43, faces up to five years in prison when sentenced March 21 while former worker Mark Anthony Bustos, 42, was immediately sentenced to 90 days in jail and three years of supervised probation.
Prosecutors say between June 2006 and June 2012, Witham used the district's credit card to buy online dozens of electronic items like computers, hard drives and memory sticks which were then resold on eBay and Craigslist. Witham also submitted for reimbursement three forged receipts for iPhones and a bunk bed set. Witham resigned from the district and headed to Australia during which time Bustos reportedly hacked into the vice chancellor's email and learned of the investigation by the District Attorney's Office. Bustos then alerted Witham, according to the District Attorney's Office.
Witham pleaded no contest to four felonies — three counts of forging documents and one count of embezzlement of public funds by a public official. He also admitted taking more than $65,000 and an allegation that requires he be sent to prison unless there is an unusual circumstance. Prosecutors sought a six-year maximum sentence but Judge Jonathan Karesh capped it at five years.
Bustos pleaded no contest to felony identity theft in return for a promise of no prison and 90 days jail.
Witham remains in custody in lieu of $1 million bail while Bustos was free on a $250,000 bond.
Shortly after the pair's arrest, Ron Galatolo, San Mateo County Community College District chancellor, called the situation "a deplorable and disconcerting affair" but said the district acted quickly.
On Thursday, Barbara Christensen, director of community and government relations, said the district had no comment on the pleas. The district did employ an auditor to review its internal controls. A list of suggested improvements will come to the board in April, she said.