Former Hollister Heat treasurer accused of embezzling

The former treasurer of the Hollister Heat softball organization was arraigned Tuesday on charges alleging she embezzled thousands of dollars from the group between May 2009 and June 2011, according to court records and authorities.  
Michelle C. Diaz, 41, of Hollister pleaded not guilty Tuesday to felony charges alleging embezzlement of more than $400, grand theft of personal property and passing a fictitious check. She is due back in court July 24 to set a preliminary hearing, where a judge could decide if there is enough evidence for trial.
The district attorney’s office in early June sent a letter to Diaz requesting she voluntarily be booked into the county jail. Diaz did so June 14 and was released, according to jail personnel.
Diaz is accused of embezzling from the Hollister organization that maintains its own league along with travel teams ranging in age groups up to 14-and-under.
Hollister police began investigating the allegations after the softball organization – led by President George Ramirez, then a Hollister police sergeant – was notified by a bank of suspicious activity in October 2011. Ramirez said Hollister Heat leaders immediately informed police.
Ramirez is no longer with the HPD, while Westrick noted that he assigned someone else to the case to avoid any issues.
Police say evidence shows a possible “wide range” when it comes to the total dollar amount that is suspected stolen in the case – with an “extremely low basement” of $3,000, said Sgt. Dan Winn, who said the discrepancy in bank records was “a lot greater than $3,000.” He would not reveal the alleged amount on the higher end of the range.
Police alleged Diaz had access to the Heat’s money because she was the treasurer, a position she held for three years, said Ramirez, noting that the organization requires multiple signatures for check transactions.
Ramirez said Hollister Heat leaders have been “very cooperative” since finding out about the suspicious activity.
“We were extremely disappointed to find out there had been discrepancies,” he said. “We took the matter very seriously.”
Diaz is represented by attorney Brian Worthington, who declined to comment because he had not had the opportunity to read the discovery, he said.