11/22 A former Santa Cruz County, official pled guilty Thursday to embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion for her role in stealing more than $38-million of Santa Cruz County funds between 2014-and-2024 and failing to pay income tax of more than $13-million while she was serving as Santa Cruz County Treasurer. 62-year-old Elizabeth Gutfahr embezzled and laundered the money through companies she created. She used the money to purchase real estate, pay operating expenses and renovated her family ranch, paid expenses for her cattle business and purchased at least 20-vehicles. She’s scheduled to be sentenced February 6-th and faces a maximum of 35-years in prison and restitution.
