SACRAMENTO — Two former administrators with the Patterson Joint Unified School District were sentenced Wednesday to federal prison for stealing more than $1.5 million from the district through a years‑long embezzlement scheme, federal prosecutors said.
Jeffrey Menge, 45, of Copperopolis, the district’s former assistant superintendent and chief business officer, was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Eric Drabert, 46, of Modesto, the district’s former IT director, was sentenced to 18 months. Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez handed down the sentences, 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,” Grant said in a statement. “Today’s sentencing affirms that when those in positions of authority abuse the public trust, they will be held accountable.”…