Vallejo elementary school office manager arrested for alleged felony embezzlement

VALLEJO — An office manager at Vallejo’s Glen Cove Elementary school was arrested last week on suspicion of embezzling school district funds, police and school records show.

Jail records identified the person arrested as 46-year-old Gabriella Lopez, who is listed as an office manager on the Glen Cove Elementary website. Lopez was arrested at her Vallejo home on Thursday.

In a letter sent to students’ parents, district Superintendent Rubén Aurelio said that “immediate action” was taken “when we first became aware of concerns related to the misuse of public funds.” 

District spokesperson Celina Baguiao said that the district learned about the allegations on June 2 and placed the staff member on leave on June 5.

“We responded quickly and appropriately when the concerns surfaced, and we will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement,” said Baguiao. “Our top priority remains ensuring that every public dollar directly supports student learning and success.”

Solano County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Monica Martinez said that the DA’s had not yet received the report on Lopez’s arrest. 

If convicted of felony embezzlement Lopez could face up to three years in state prison in addition to fines. 

Lopez’s arrest came days before the district announced that it was exiting state control after 20 years of receivership, due to almost facing bankruptcy in 2004. 

“VCUSD upholds a foundation of honesty and integrity,” Aurelio said in the letter to students’ parents. “We take any allegations that contradict these principles extremely seriously.”