A conclusion to the investigation of former Hollister police
Sgt. Ray Wood on suspected embezzlement of union funds could come
in the
”
next several months,
”
said a Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office
investigator.
A conclusion to the investigation of former Hollister police Sgt. Ray Wood on suspected embezzlement of union funds could come in the “next several months,” said a Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office investigator.
Wood, who retired in December after serving in the department for 28 years, is under investigation on suspicion of stealing “tens of thousands of dollars” from the police association where he was president for at least 10 years, according to search warrant documents filed at the San Benito County Courthouse.
Investigator John Chase said the investigation is ongoing but a conclusion should come within months.
“Nothing is going to be filed for at least the next several months,” he said. “Other than that, that’s all I could tell you. Several things can still happen.”
If Wood does face charges, it is unclear whether the Santa Clara or San Benito district attorney’s offices will handle it, Chase said.
“We still need to figure out how exactly it is going to be charged,” he said.
The search warrant, issued March 11, was aimed at bank account information regarding the Hollister Police Officers Association and Wood at San Benito Bank. Investigators gathered bank statements, deposit slips and checks from accounts under Ray Wood, “Ray Wood for Sheriff 2010” and the Hollister Police Officers Association.
The investigation started after suspicion was raised when Wood retired and transferred over the union accounts to his replacement, according to the search warrant. Wood asked the union to “start fresh and not worry about past transactions,” according to records. The new union representatives agreed to use the existing accounts instead.
Without the union’s permission, Wood tried to close the accounts, according to the search warrant.
When the union did regain possession of the accounts, Officer David Anderson found a $15,850.50 shortfall in deposits dating back to 2008, and another $11,214.90 worth of checks written to organizations other than three employee representation groups the union funds.
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