Carlsbad CA— Today, June 23, the City of Carlsbad Police Department arrested Dawn Snow, 52, of Murrieta, a former employee of KemperSports, on charges involving the misuse of public funds at The Crossings at Carlsbad, the city-owned golf course.
The charges include multiple counts of burglary, grand theft and embezzlement totaling in excess of $595,000 during Snow’s seven-year tenure as Kemper’s controller at The Crossings golf course. Snow left her position at KemperSports in August 2014.
“We take any possible misuse of public funds by a city contractor very seriously,” said Interim City Manager Kathy Dodson. “The Police Department has conducted a thorough investigation, and now the case has been turned over to the district attorney’s office for prosecution, which we will fully support.”
KemperSports has handled all golf course operations and management through a competitively bid contract with the City of Carlsbad since the course opened in 2007. KemperSports managers notified City of Carlsbad staff in October 2014 about possible misuse of a company credit card by the former controller. Following an internal investigation conducted by KemperSports, the company reported its findings, which included the possible theft of public funds, to the City of Carlsbad Police Department on Nov. 26, 2014.
“This appears to be a case of one, long term employee who abused her company’s trust,” said Dodson. “Nonetheless, we will be conducting a thorough internal review of our management protocols to ensure city contractors are held to the very highest standards when it comes to financial controls and oversight of city funds.”
Upon learning of the alleged misuse of public funds, the City of Carlsbad immediately initiated its own independent audit of golf course finances dating back to 2007. The findings from this audit were provided to the District Attorney’s Office to assist in the prosecution.
KemperSports has committed to reimburse the city for all losses suffered by the city as a result of these crimes, said Dodson.
In a statement released today, KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner applauded the excellent work by the City of Carlsbad Police Department and the District Attorney’s office, which resulted in the arrest of its former employee, Dawn Snow.
“During a review of accounting at The Crossings at Carlsbad, KemperSports corporate finance staff uncovered accounting irregularities that were the result of embezzlement by a previously employed staff member at the property, Dawn Snow. Consistent with company policy, the company immediately notified city staff and local law enforcement officials. In addition, the company enlisted the assistance of a third party forensic auditing firm to assist local law enforcement officials in the investigation. KemperSports has been working closely with law enforcement, the District Attorney and the city to determine the best course of action to bring charges against Dawn Snow. We appreciate the cooperation and assistance of the city, District Attorney and police department in working with us to move swiftly towards this arrest. KemperSports has assured the city that it would reimburse the city for any possible losses that were the result of Dawn Snow’s criminal actions.”
Snow was booked into the Vista Detention Facility Tuesday morning. The case will now be handled by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Arraignment is scheduled for June 24 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 14 of the Vista Courthouse.