A three-judge panel rejected an appeal from a former UC Davis fire chief accused in an embezzlement case who was seeking entry into a mental health diversion program that could have resulted in the dismissal of his felony charge.
The California Third Appellate District Court summarily denied a petition filed by Nathan Trauernicht seeking to overturn a Yolo Superior Court ruling in his embezzlement case. A summary denial means the court made its decision without a hearing or issuing a formal written opinion.
Trauernicht faces a felony charge of misappropriating public funds while serving as the UC Davis fire chief. Trauernicht, 46, is accused of approving fraudulent timesheets for his then-Executive Assistant, Meagan Emily McFadden, while allegedly seeking a romantic relationship with her…