STOCKTON, CA — Former Stockton Unified School District Board President, AngelAnn Flores, appeared in a Stockton courtroom on Monday, marking her first court appearance since her arrest on charges of embezzlement and fraud two weeks ago.
Flores, who was arrested on April 19 following a year-long investigation by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, is accused of misusing a school district credit card to cover personal expenses including food and fuel, tallying over $3,200 in unauthorized charges over two years. The investigation has stirred significant controversy within the community, focusing attention on financial practices within the Stockton Unified School District.
During the court session, Flores’ attorney, Tori Verber Salazar, outlined a defense strategy emphasizing the relatively small amount of the alleged theft, comparing it to larger, unprosecuted expenditures within the district. "My client had a credit card over a two-year period of time with $3,200 worth of charges. That’s about $130 a month,” Salazar stated, highlighting disparities in the treatment of financial mismanagement allegations within the district.
The defense also pointed out that another board member had incurred $12,000 in unprotected expenses and that millions are purportedly missing from the district budget. Salazar argued for equitable accountability, stating, "If you’re going to bring charges for $3,200 you sure as heck better bring charges for $7 million taken from our children."
In addition to embezzlement and theft of public funds, Flores is charged with grand theft and insurance fraud related to a claim for a personal vehicle. San Joaquin County deputies have searched both Flores' home and her office, reportedly finding evidence supporting allegations of her misusing district funds.
Despite the charges, the court has allowed Flores to return to work and to be present on school grounds. She is scheduled to attend the next school board meeting on May 13. The case is set to continue on May 25, as both the prosecution and defense prepare to further address the complex issues at the heart of this legal battle.
The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings have prompted a broader discussion about financial oversight and ethical governance within the Stockton Unified School District, as community members and officials alike seek clarity and justice in the unfolding case.