The Santa Cruz County schools superintendent has resigned from his post as part of a plea agreement, after an investigation of embezzlement from Nogales businesses.
As part of that agreement, Robert Canchola pleaded guilty to a Class 6 felony charge for not disclosing conflicts of interest in his wife's consulting business in Nogales. In addition to his resignation, he also will pay up to $42,000 and face prison time or probation ranging from six to 18 months, said Santa Cruz County Manager Greg Lucero.
Sentencing is set to take place in June, Lucero said.
Canchola was indicted in November on 40 counts misusing public funds and a conflict of interest in awarding funds to others. The indictment said Canchola may have embezzled as much as $16,000 in almost six years. According to the plea agreement, Canchola will not face embezzlement charges in exchange for admitting to the other charge.
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