Ex-College Basketball Coach Jailed in Arizona for Player Scam

A former basketball coach from Central Arizona College has been sentenced to four months in prison following a guilty plea on charges of fraud and theft.

Denise Cardenas, 45, was convicted in Pinal County Superior Court after an investigation revealed she misled students into believing they had to contribute half of their tuition fees, despite many being on full scholarships.

Bank records indicated that some victims deposited funds directly into Cardenas’ personal account. Furthermore, she solicited additional donations from the family of a player for new uniforms, but those funds never reached the basketball team’s account. Money from a holiday fundraiser was also reported missing.

Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer expressed disappointment, stating, “To see such a trusted and revered community member prey on her players for her own financial gain is saddening.” He commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward.

In addition to her prison sentence, Cardenas will face three years of supervised probation and is required to pay $25,000 in restitution to Central Arizona College. The college has already refunded the affected students.