Santa Paula High School Band Booster Club member arrested for embezzlement

SANTA PAULA, Calif. (KABC) -- A member of the Santa Paula High School Band Booster Club was arrested for allegedly embezzling money from the organization.

Back in April, club members reported to the Santa Paula Police Department that they suspected a fellow member, 29-year-old Michael Suniga of Santa Paula, was embezzling money from their coffers. That's when authorities launched their investigation, which included interviews with victims and witnesses and multiple search warrants. A forensic audit was also conducted by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.

Following the investigation, authorities determined that approximately $15,000 - $22,000 was embezzled from the booster club. Investigators said the incident sparked a grassroots movement in the community to raise money for the school band to attend a performance in San Francisco.

An arrest warrant was issued for Suniga, who surrendered to police. He was arrested for embezzlement and transported to Ventura County Jail. Bail was set at $50,000.