SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — Four former employees of a San Bernardino psychiatric hospital have pleaded not guilty to embezzlement and other felony charges in connection with a payroll fraud scheme that authorities say bilked taxpayers out of more than $800,000.
The district attorney’s office says all four employees were allegedly paid for hours they did not work at Patton State Hospital.
Entering pleas Wednesday were 68-year-old Jose Romero, 68-year-old Mercedes Agudo, 37-year-old Kathy Duarte and 46-year-old Marcus Johnson.
Prosecutors say Romero is the hospital’s former payroll clerk.
They are charged with multiple felonies including misappropriation of public funds, embezzlement and grand theft.
A pretrial hearing is set for Oct. 17.
