Mistakenly broadcast closed session in Santa Cruz County reveals new details in investigation of former treasurer | News

NOGALES, Ariz. (KVOA) – What was supposed to be a confidential board meeting to give Santa Cruz County supervisors an update on an audit of missing funds during former Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr’s tenure was mistakenly broadcast on the county’s website for all to see.

Board meetings are so private that it is illegal for a participant to discuss what happened during the closed meeting.

The meeting, which lasted more than two hours and whose results were mistakenly published on Monday, revealed some shocking new information.

According to a graphic titled “Good Ride Transactions – Lost Funds,” over $39 million was stolen between 2013 and 2024. In 2023 alone, the figure was over $11 million.

Supervisors were also told that of the missing funds, over $27.9 million was taken from local schools and over $11.4 million came from county general funds.

News 4 Tucson spoke with board chairman Manny Ruiz, but he said he could not comment on the situation at this time after speaking with the district attorney.

No charges have yet been filed against Gutfahr, but the FBI is investigating the case and has already issued a search warrant for her home in Tumacacori.

News 4 Tucson will keep you updated as we learn more.

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