SACRAMENTO, California — Two former school officials were sentenced to prison for embezzling $1.5 million from a school district, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Jeffrey Menge, a 45-year-old from Copperopolis, and Eric Drabert, a 46-year-old from Modesto, received sentences of 30 months and 18 months, respectively, from Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. The charges involved theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
“These defendants were entrusted with safeguarding resources meant to educate and support children; instead, they stole $1.5 million for their own benefit,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Today’s sentencing affirms that when those in positions of authority abuse the public trust, they will be held accountable. Our office remains committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that funds intended for our schools serve the students and communities they were meant to support.”…