Santa Cruz County officials approve legal action over alleged embezzlement by former treasurer Elizabeth Gutfar

Santa Cruz County officials voted unanimously to pursue legal action in all litigation related to alleged embezzlement by former county treasurer Elizabeth Gutfar, including appeals, refiling and a complaint against the auditor general, the chair said during the board’s regular session.

The chair introduced the item as a motion "possible action to take legal action in all litigation matters related to the embezzlement by the former county treasurer Elizabeth Gutfar, including but not limited to appeals of recent decisions and refiling, a complaint against the auditor general." Mr. May moved to approve the motion and recorded a second; the motion carried with vocal "aye" votes and the chair announced the motion carried unanimously.

In brief remarks during the discussion, the chair said the county’s decision was informed by recent state court developments: "based on new Arizona Supreme Court decision and multiple positive developments, the county supports the county's continued efforts moving forward." Mr. May added, "I think that there's certainly some new avenues that are opened up now based especially based on the Channeler case, and the Supreme Court." Neither speaker laid out additional procedural steps in the record during the meeting.

After the vote the meeting moved to adjournment. The chair asked for a motion to adjourn the regular session, Mr. May moved and seconded, the body voted "aye," and the chair declared the meeting adjourned.

What happened: officials approved a motion authorizing further legal action connected to the alleged embezzlement by former treasurer Elizabeth Gutfar; discussion referenced a recent Arizona Supreme Court decision and the Channeler case as opening legal avenues. The record does not specify which attorneys or outside counsel will be assigned, any budgetary authorizations for litigation, or a timeline for next steps.