For Immediate Release

Sergeant Anthony Prencipe

On April 10, 2019, The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrested El Dorado County employee Ricci Chavez, a 33 year old man, from Rancho Cordova. In March, El Dorado County Buildings and Grounds were informed that their employee, Chavez, was working a side job during his work day, using a county vehicle and county equipment.

EDSO was notified and an investigation began. Through the course of the investigation, it was found that Chavez was hired by a county resident who was unaware that he was working on county time. It is believed that Chavez worked anywhere from 5 to 8 different days.  It was also discovered that Chavez brought an inmate worker with him on multiple occasions and used the inmate worker to assist on the job.

Based on the investigation, Chavez was arrested for felony embezzlement and booked into the El Dorado County Jail. Chavez has also been placed on administrative leave with El Dorado County.