SACRAMENTO – Police say a state worker responsible for buying staplers, binders and furniture falsified at least $320,000 worth of expense reports, loading up her home with a flat-screen TV, hot tub, gazebo and iPods.
She even hawked enough to buy a new Lexus sports car.
Carey Renee Aceves, 34, of Natomas, a former procurement analyst with the state Department of Child Support Services, faces charges of embezzlement, grand theft and possession of stolen property. She was booked last week into the Sacramento County Jail and released on $80,000 bail.
Police say Aceves, who made $62,064 year, covered her tracks for months. But her activity triggered a state audit after she tried to file a large number of expenses in December.
California Highway Patrol investigators said that when they visited her home Feb. 1, Aceves admitted to the racket and led officers on a tour, pointing out items she'd bought with her state credit card.
Among the purchases: an electric cat blanket and self-cleaning litter boxes, and formal gowns in pink, aqua and white. There also were whips, handcuffs, chains and porn videos. In the garage, police said they found the Lexus – valued at more than $65,000 – with 389 miles on the odometer.
Officials say the probe may expand, because Aceves worked at two other state agencies. She is on paid leave.
