Assistant U. S. Attorneys Emily Allen (619) 546-9738 and Benjamin Katz (619) 546-9604
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - Aug. 3, 2017
SAN DIEGO - Jared Palmer, a former facilities manager for the San Diego Workforce Partnership, pleaded guilty today to embezzling more than $450,000 from the local Workforce Development Board that provides job training and placement to San Diego county residents and employers.
According to his plea agreement, Palmer, as facilities manager, was responsible for approving payment of invoices submitted by janitorial companies contracted to clean San Diego Workforce Partnership’s facilities. Between 2011 and 2016, Palmer instructed these contractors to purchase items that he claimed were for the Partnership’s use, including Nest Smart Thermostats, electronics, and pre-paid debit cards. Palmer then stole the items and replaced the invoices that included the cost of these stolen items with false invoices that made it appear as if all of the charges were for legitimate janitorial services. Over the course of five years, Palmer’s scheme netted him at least $455,606.
Because the Partnership, known as SDWP, is a Workforce Development Board funded largely by federal grant dollars, Palmer’s plea was to a count of Theft of Federal Program Funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666. Palmer’s plea agreement includes a restitution addendum, in which he agreed to pay SDWP back for his theft.
“This case represents the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s continued commitment to protecting non-profit organizations, especially those receiving federal grant money," said Acting U.S. Attorney Alana W. Robinson.
“Jared Palmer, a former high level employee with the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP), created and submitted fictitious invoices for janitorial services to SDWP in order to embezzle more than $450,000 in U.S. Department of Labor job training funds. Palmer’s actions deprived American workers from receiving critical job training services provided by SDWP. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard federal funds," stated Abel Salinas, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Los Angeles Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
“Mr. Palmer embezzled funds from the San Diego Workforce Partnership, which was providing a valuable and important service," said Special Agent in Charge Eric S. Birnbaum. “Federal dollars were stolen as part of Mr. Palmer’s scheme. Simply, this will not be tolerated. The FBI will expose criminals who line their pockets out of greed and deceit while federally funded programs designed to help our community suffer."
Palmer is scheduled to be sentenced on November 6, 2017.
DEFENDANT Case Number: 17-cr-2157-LAB
Jared Palmer Age: 41
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Theft of Federal Program Funds, 18 U.S.C. § 666
Maximum penalty: 10 years’ imprisonment, fine double amount obtained, 3 years’ supervised release.
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation - San Diego Field Office
U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
