The former executive director of a foundation in Ventura County has been sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to grand theft and forgery.
Joanne Abruzzese worked at the Simi Valley Community Foundation for four years, including two as Executive Director. Ventura County prosecutors say the Simi Valley woman wrote foundation checks to a business she owned, and forged the second signature necessary to cash them. They say she stole more than $40,000 dollars.
The 59 year old woman was sentenced to six months in jail and five years probation. She’s already paid $44,000 in restitution to the foundation.
