Scottsdale Woman’s PTA Fraud Leads to Indictment in Yuma County School Theft Scandal

By Matthew Holloway |

Nubia Gonzalez, a former secretary for the Hyder Elementary School District in Yuma County, has been indicted on charges of Theft, Misuse of Public Monies, and Forgery. This indictment follows her arrest in Scottsdale, stemming from a complex fraud scheme that targeted the Cocopah Middle School Association of Parents and Teachers (APT).

According to a press release from the Arizona Auditor General, Gonzalez allegedly embezzled $2,486 in December 2020 by depositing an illicit District check into her business account three months after her termination.

Reports indicate that the case has been handed over to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, but officials, including Attorney General Kris Mayes, declined to comment on the investigation’s specifics.

On July 3rd, Scottsdale Police began investigating after the Cocopah APT president discovered that the organization’s savings account had been fully depleted following her return from international travel.

The APT president contacted the former treasurer, who expressed ignorance about the missing funds. Subsequent inquiries involving the organization’s bank revealed that significant sums had been withdrawn, all tied to Gonzalez.

Police documents estimate total losses from both accounts at $36,512.09, substantiated by banking records that confirmed Gonzalez’s signature on each withdrawal slip.

Gonzalez had been entrusted with overseeing the group’s accounts after her election as treasurer in April, possessing signing authority alongside the group president. Authorities indicated that she swiftly withdrew funds after the president departed, transferring $22,300 to her personal account for personal expenses.

Allegedly, Gonzalez misled the APT president by claiming she was transferring group funds to a higher-yield account—an assertion unsupported by the bank. She reportedly fabricated screenshots and forged documents to reinforce this deception.

Describing the scheme as “well-thought-out,” authorities highlighted the use of counterfeit banking documentation. Following media revelations, APT board members voted to remove Gonzalez from her role. Currently, $14,212.09 remains unaccounted for, as confirmed by Scottsdale Police.

Gonzalez is being held on a $40,000 bond in Scottsdale and a $30,000 bond in Yuma County.

The Cocopah Middle School APT released a statement expressing gratitude for the community’s support, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing security measures and sharing knowledge with other school parent organizations to prevent similar incidents. They acknowledged the challenge of recovering the lost funds and reiterated their focus on fundraising efforts to benefit the school and students.

This investigation is being conducted by Maricopa County authorities, with appreciation expressed for the efforts of both the Scottsdale Police Department and local law enforcement.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.