Hollister police are looking for a former county sheriff’s
deputy accused of embezzling money from the local sheriff’s union,
according to police.
Hollister police are looking for a former county sheriff’s deputy accused of embezzling money from the local sheriff’s union, according to police.
Former San Benito County Deputy Jason Lei, 37, is suspected of embezzlement from the deputy sheriff’s association while serving as its treasurer, according to a statement from police.
At about 7 a.m. May 14, Hollister police officers went to a residence in the unincorporated area of San Juan Bautista to serve both a search warrant and a felony arrest warrant in conjunction with the fraud investigation. Police Sgt. David Westrick, the department spokesman, was unsure when the suspected embezzlement acts occurred.
The suspected acts are believed to have occurred in Hollister, San Juan Bautista and unincorporated San Benito County. To avoid a conflict of interest, the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Hollister Police Department conduct the investigation.
Lei was not located during the search, but investigators did find evidence of a crime along with Lei’s personal property, including his vehicle.
Hollister police are looking for Lei to serve the arrest warrant, charging him with embezzlement and unauthorized use of an access card. Bail has been set at $10,000, according to police.
Lei is a former law enforcement officer and it is unknown whether he is armed. Westrick was unsure whether the accusations are related to his termination from the county.
Anyone with information is requested to call Sgt. George Ramirez at (831) 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTIP at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTIP may qualify for a reward.
