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Attorney Accused Of Embezzling Over $1 Million From Charitable Organizations In Sacramento

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - A Sacramento man is behind bars after being accused of embezzling over $1 million from local charitable organizations, including foundations set up for senior housing.

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced the arrest of 59-year-old Kevin Manz on felony charges of grand theft. The arrest came after a 5-month investigation by the California Department of Justice's Bureau of Investigation and the Tax Recovery and Criminal Enforcement Task Force.

The arrest came after a 5-month investigation by the California Department of Justice's Bureau of Investigation and the Tax Recovery and Criminal Enforcement Task Force.

"He was a good guy, just got out of hand," said Pioneer Congregational Church member Chuck Schepel.

According to the criminal complaint, filed Thursday in Sacramento Superior Court, Manz illegally directed funds from Cathedral Pioneer Church Homes Inc., Cathedral Pioneer Church Homes Foundation, and the Pioneer Foundation to personal bank and business accounts and used the funds for personal expenses such as jewelry and cars.

"Preying on charities that benefit senior citizens is despicable behavior that will not be tolerated," said Attorney General Harris.

According to the Attorney Generals office, Manz was a licensed attorney in Kansas who gained the trust of charity boards and church congregations in the Sacramento area.

He convinced multiple charitable organizations, including foundations that provide housing for seniors, to allow him to manage their financial accounts.

The criminal complaint says, "Defendant Manz had soul access to the Pioneer Foundation accounts and provided false reports to the Board of Directors during quarterly meetings."

"[He] managed to get control of the checkbook and he managed to get it to be the sole signer," said Stephen Boutin from the Boutin Jones Law Firm, the attorney representing three of the four non-profit groups.

"The board members trusted the defendant."Manz was booked into the Sacramento County Jail on $750,000 bail. His case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General's office. He's expected in court on July 25

Manz was booked into the Sacramento County Jail on $750,000 bail. His case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General's office. He's expected in court on July 25

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