CSU Long Beach Workers Accused of Stealing $36K in Payroll Fraud Case
Investigation into Alleged Payroll Fraud at CSULB
LONG BEACH, CA – Two employees of California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) have been charged with grand theft and conspiracy after allegedly stealing $36,560 from the university’s Athletics Department through fraudulent payroll submissions.
Oscar Perez Almanza, 39, and Hender Noe Maxwell, 38,, are accused of submitting false timesheets between January and December 2022, certifying hundreds of hours of work that were never performed. Prosecutors allege that Almanza, who worked as a field supervisor, knowingly approved the fraudulent timesheets submitted by Maxwell, a former grounds worker. Once Maxwell received the payments, he allegedly split the stolen money with Almanza.
Both men were formally charged with one felony count of conspiracy to commit grand theft and one felony count of grand theft under California Penal Code 182(a)(1) and Penal Code 487(a) (Case No. 25CJCF01062). The charges include allegations that the offenses involved planning, sophistication, and professionalism and caused significant financial damage to the university.
Details of the Case
The investigation, led by the California State University Long Beach Police Department, uncovered the scheme after discrepancies were found in payroll records. Prosecutors say that even after Maxwell left his position at CSULB, he continued to submit timesheets for work he never performed. Almanza, still employed as a supervisor, allegedly approved the fraudulent records despite knowing Maxwell was no longer working for the department.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned the alleged theft, emphasizing the impact of financial misconduct in public institutions.
“I am appalled at the brazen acts of criminality allegedly committed by employees of California State University, Long Beach, an institution that depends on public funding and public trust,” Hochman said. “Stealing from California’s venerated public university system steals from taxpayers and the thousands of students who rely on the university for affordable tuition and educational and career opportunities.”
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentences
Both defendants pleaded not guilty at their March 3, 2025 arraignment. The court released them on their own recognizance, with the condition that they relinquish their passports while awaiting trial. They are scheduled to return to court on April 14, 2025, at the Central Arraignment Courthouse, Dept. 83, for preliminary hearing setting.
If convicted on all charges, Almanza and Maxwell each face up to three years in county jail. In addition to criminal penalties, they could be ordered to pay restitution to CSULB for the stolen funds.
CSULB has not released an official statement regarding the charges but is expected to review its financial oversight policies following the incident.
The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
