A former official with a South Coast police foundation has entered no contest pleas to charges in connection with the theft of more than $100,000. Gale Hartman was accused of stealing money from the Ventura Police Community Foundation over a four year period, using a foundation debit card.
Hartman was a civilian employee of the Ventura Police Department, as well as treasurer of the Police Community Foundation.
Police Department officials discovered a nearly $120,000 financial discrepancy, and turned the case over to the Ventura County DA’s Office for investigation.
Prosecutors say Hartman pled no contest to four felony grand theft charges. The 80 year old man could face up to a year in jail and five years probation.
