Student Allegedly Embezzled $18,000 from CSUS

Comments (6)

The Associated Press

Published: February 14, 2006

SACRAMENTO—A former student government leader at Sacramento State University has been arraigned on 16 felony charges of embezzling more than $18,000 from the student government.

The campus newspaper, the Hornet, reported that the alleged embezzlement began in 2003, when Julio A. Velazquez was executive vice president of Associated Students Inc. He later became the group’s vice president.

His attorney, Donald Heller, said Monday that Velazquez will cooperate with prosecutors on the felony complaint filed earlier this month in Sacramento County Superior Court.

“We’re going to deal with it in court forthrightly,” Heller said.

Velazquez graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, said Lori Varlotta, vice president of student affairs.

Associated Students President Angel Barajas said he has since taken steps to protect student funds.

"$18,000 is a lot of money to steal. Julio may have been a nice person but he stole from the very people he was supposed to be protecting. That says a lot about his character and what type of person he is behind (what he thinks) are closed doors. I dont belive prison is any place for a "salvageable person" but a harsh but fair punshisment should be given to him."
-> Posted by CSUS student / Jul 02, 2006

"I know Julio TOO and know that he is not an "extremely honorable, genuine, hard working person"....
Lets just say it was just a matter of time! Some people just believe they are untouchable...."
-> Posted by K / Feb 17, 2006

"I know Julio, he is a extremely honorable, genuine, hard working person and I voted for him for ASI President. He is not guilty until proven, and it is a shame that this happened. If you would like to blindly point- you may as well point at the ENTIRE ASI board that let this monetary mishap occur. We do have check and balances for ASI on campus. . . especially with nominated students controlling a 2million dollar budget each year.
Let's pray for Julio, he really is a good person."
-> Posted by c / Feb 17, 2006

"It's quite possible that Mr Velazquez may have been taking his lessons on this from the Board of Regents but never learned how not to get caught."
-> Posted by BD / Feb 15, 2006

"i contributed toi the csus funds and now i am sorry too many people tryingto steal them from now on i will only donate directly to students who need funds"
-> Posted by teresa reynolds / Feb 14, 2006

"And yet, another fine example of higher education. Hmmmmm. Bachelors in Bus. Admin. Good thing he got stung now, before he became another ENRON type of Exec.

Smh.........."
-> Posted by Leo of Sacramento / Feb 14, 2006