Chris Benavides, Embezzlement, California 2022

SAN DIEGO, CA (August 4, 2022) – Chris Benavides, former director of finance for the La Jolla Music Society, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for embezzling more than $650,000 from the non-profit over a 10-year period. Benavides was also ordered to pay a minimum of $650,000 in restitution.

The 52-year-old San Diego resident oversaw the budgeting process and human resources at the La Jolla Music Society. However, during that time, Benavides was stealing for himself an average of about $65,000 per year. Forensic review revealed that Benavides’ theft became more sophisticated over the years, with him regularly planning his theft in advance and imbedding expenses in various budget lines to avoid detection.

Benavides’ scheme involved signing or forging checks for his personal benefit and making false entries in the books to hide his embezzlement. ‘Mr. Benavides exploited his position of trust with the La Jolla Music Society by stealing month after month for over a decade,’ said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. ‘His greed and deception have had a lasting impact on this non-profit. Today, he has been held to account for his crimes.’

Benavides was charged with wire fraud under Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain/loss, whichever is greater.

‘La Jolla Music Society trusted their Director of Finance to safeguard the non-profit’s funds, but Benavides had a different plan,’ said Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office. ‘Instead, the defendant strategically calculated year over year to systematically steal from his employer, selfishly lining his own pockets.’

Benavides is currently serving his 30-month sentence and will be required to pay a minimum of $650,000 in restitution to the La Jolla Music Society. The case is a reminder that those who abuse their positions of trust will be held accountable for their crimes.

DEFENDANT: Chris Benavides, Age: 52, San Diego
SUMMARY OF CHARGES: Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343
CITY AND STATE: San Diego, CA
DATE: August 4, 2022
SENTENCE: 30 months in prison and $650,000 restitution

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