The Sonoma County Farm Bureau publicly revealed Friday that an employee no longer with the organization is suspected embezzling more than $375,000 from the group and its affiliated charity, the Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County.
The organization, a leading interest group for the county’s farm sectors, told its members of the alleged embezzlement in a Sept. 29 letter. In the letter, obtained by The Press Democrat, Farm Bureau officials said they were “shocked and disgusted” by the discovery and reported the case to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s officials told representatives of the Farm Bureau that an arrest was imminent, Farm Bureau officials said in a Friday night news release.
Sheriff’s officials could not be immediately reached to confirm that detail or provide additional information.
The Farm Bureau did not share when the alleged embezzlement occurred or how the money had been taken.
The letter assured members that the involved employee, who they say acted in an individual capacity, was fired immediately and a formal investigation and financial review were underway.
“Farm Bureau will use its funds to replace any foundation funds that are not otherwise recouped,” Farm Bureau President Pat Burns said in a news release. “That’s because a Farm Bureau employee caused the loss and because foundation funds are charitable assets held in trust for the public benefit.”
The Farm Bureau is working to determine the full extent of the losses while also working on strengthening the organization’s internal security to prevent any embezzlement from happening again in the future.
Despite the hefty financial blow, the organization’s day-to-day operations will remain stable, said executive director Dayna Ghiradelli.
“None of our critical programs are really being impacted, fortunately,” Ghiradelli said.
The Farm Bureau said it would continue to share updates as the investigation unfolds. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to “serving and advocating” for members, who span the county’s wine, poultry, dairy, food and flower crop sectors.
“The financial health of both organizations remains strong,” Burns said in the release.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
Contact Staff Writer Anna Armstrong at 707-521-5255 or anna.armstrong@pressdemocrat.com. On X (Twitter) @annavarmstrongg.