The former basketball coach of Central Arizona College in Pinal County, Denise Cardenas, found herself in hot water after being sentenced to four months in prison for fraud and theft. This came after an investigation revealed that Cardenas was deceiving students, who were on full scholarships, into paying half of their tuition. Students were depositing money into her personal account, and funds meant for the team’s uniforms and holiday fundraiser went missing as well.
Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer expressed his disappointment, stating, “To see such a trusted and revered community member prey on her players for her own financial gain is saddening.” Cardenas, 45, will serve supervised probation for three years post-release and pay $25,000 in restitution to the college. The victims have been refunded by the college, according to PCAO.
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