Former Weott CSD employee gets a slap on the wrist with a grand theft plea which could later be expunged

I recently reported that former employee of Weott Community Services District Julie Santibanez's embezzlement and identity theft case was delayed because the assigned attorney was out of the office. I am now doing a post on the plea. No other local media has covered this case since I first reported on it in 2023. 

I will not be doing a separate or new post when she is sentenced. Court minutes and information will be added to this post.

On 3/5/26, Santibanez entered a guilty plea which was taken by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum to Ct 3 PC 487 (a) grand theft as a felony. Deputy DA Brandon Boozari dismised Count 2 and 3. There are more details in the court minuted including 48 hours community service and the DA is not opposed to a 17 (b) request by Deputy Public Defender Ryan McClurg which reduces the charge to a misdemeanor.

Another slap on the wrist in Humboldt County. With a misdemeanor; the case can be expunged which then shows your conviction as a dismissal.