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Press Release

Former Facilities Manager Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Theft from San Diego Workforce Partnership

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California

Assistant U. S. Attorneys Emily Allen (619) 546-9738 and Benjamin Katz (619) 546-9604

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – February 12, 2018

SAN DIEGO – Jared Palmer, a former facilities manager for the San Diego Workforce Partnership, was sentenced to 30 months in prison today for embezzling more than $450,000 from the local Workforce Development Board that provides job training and placement to San Diego county residents and employers.

U.S. District Court Judge Larry A. Burns also ordered Palmer to pay $455,606.82 in restitution to the Partnership (SDWP).

According to court records, Palmer, as facilities manager, was responsible for approving payment of invoices submitted by janitorial companies contracted to clean SDWP’s facilities.  Between 2011 and 2016, Palmer instructed these contractors to purchase items that he claimed were for SDWP’s use, including Nest Smart Thermostats, electronics, and pre-paid debit cards.  Palmer then stole the items and replaced the hundreds of invoices that included the cost of these stolen items with false invoices that made it appear as if all of the charges were for legitimate janitorial services. Over the course of five years, Palmer’s scheme netted him at least $455,606.

Because SDWP is a Workforce Development Board funded largely by federal grant dollars, Palmer was convicted of Theft of Federal Program Funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666. 

At sentencing, Judge Burns noted that Palmer’s theft consisted of “hundreds of discrete thefts that would have kept going if not discovered.”  Judge Burns noted that Palmer conducted the theft with “great stealth, and great planning” and that the theft had “egregious consequences, not only for [SDWP] but also for the people it assists.”

“This organization does important work that provides job training, placement, and services to thousands of San Diegans every year,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman. “This sentence shows that those who attempt to steal taxpayer dollars intended for worthy causes like this one will be brought to justice.”

“Federal grant dollars were stolen from the San Diego Workforce Partnership by Mr. Palmer, a trusted manager at this non-profit organization,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge John A. Brown.  “The FBI will continue to expose and bring criminals to justice who attempt to line their pockets at the expense of federally funded programs intended to benefit our community.”

DEFENDANT                                   Case Number: 17-cr-2157-LAB

Jared Palmer                                         Age:    42

SUMMARY OF CHARGES                                                                

Theft of Federal Program Funds, 18 U.S.C. § 666

Maximum penalty: 10 years’ imprisonment, fine double amount obtained, 3 years’ supervised release.

AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation – San Diego Field Office

U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General

 

Updated February 12, 2018

Topic
Financial Fraud
Press Release Number: CAS18-0212-Palmer