GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Nicholas M. Retana, 67, the former executive director of a kindergarten through 8th grade charter school in Madera County, has been hit with federal charges for allegedly embezzling over $12,000 in public funds.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that uncovered Retana’s misuse of school funds for personal expenses. Court documents reveal that Retana, who founded and ran the school until early 2020, used school money to purchase vehicles for his sons and paid a self-proclaimed sex worker turned relationship coach $12,000.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez, Retana concealed these misdeeds by altering school accounting records and misrepresenting expenses. The charges against Retana include one count of embezzling money from a program that received federal funding.
The grand jury returned the sealed indictment on July 17, 2025, which was unsealed on Monday, leading to Retana’s arraignment. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Spivak and Cody S. Chapple are prosecuting the case.
Retana now faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. However, any sentence would be determined by the court based on various factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Related Federal Cases
- Crypto Dreams & COVID Cash: Rideshare Driver Accused of $2M Scam · California
- SFO Screeners Accused of Meth Smuggling Bribery Scheme · California
- Bolden Sentenced for $7.2M School Computer Fraud · Washington
- California Man Accused of Threatening Four in Stark County · Ohio
- California Man Accused of Child Exploitation in Ohio Sex Trip · Ohio
Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News