The preliminary examination for the former treasurer with the Hollister Heat softball organization is set for later this month, according to court records.
Michelle C. Diaz, 41, of Hollister has pleaded not guilty to felony charges alleging embezzlement of more than $400, grand theft of personal property and passing a fictitious check. The district attorney’s office accused her of the theft between May 2009 and June 2011 from the Hollister organization that maintains its own league along with travel teams ranging in age groups up to 14-and-under.
She had a court appearance in late July and is scheduled for a pre-preliminary examination Aug. 16 before a preliminary examination, where a judge can decide if there is enough evidence for trial, at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 24 in room 101 before Judge Steven Sanders, according to records.
Hollister police began investigating the allegations in October 2011 after the softball organization – led by President George Ramirez, then a Hollister police sergeant – was notified by a bank of suspicious activity.
Police say evidence shows a possible wide range when it comes to the total dollar amount that is suspected stolen in the case. Police allege Diaz had access to the Heat’s money because she had been the treasurer, a position she held for three years.
