Former Yuma Elementary School District Employee Charged With Stealing $86K in School Funds

A former Yuma Elementary School District employee has been convicted of two felonies after stealing nearly $86,000 in public funds, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D-AZ) announced.

Mercedes Brena, also known as Mercedes Ruiz, pleaded guilty to Misuse of Public Monies, a Class 4 Felony, and Possession of a Forgery Device, a Class 6 Designated Felony. Her sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, in Maricopa County Superior Court.

Brena used her position as a Human Resources Specialist to carry out the scheme from November 2021 to October 2022. According to prosecutors, she forged and submitted fraudulent timesheets to a third-party payroll processing company, stole money orders intended for the school, and used district credit cards to purchase gift cards for personal use.

Attorney General Mayes said the case reflects a broader commitment to protecting public education funding.

"When public funds meant for the education of Arizona's children are stolen or misused, there must be accountability," Mayes said in a statement. "My office will always stand up for the students, families, and taxpayers who deserve their tax dollars being spent appropriately."

Where the Case is Heading

The plea agreement includes a stipulated minimum restitution of $85,988.70 to the Yuma Elementary School District.

Brena faces a presumptive sentence of 2.5 years on the primary count, though probation is available. If sentenced to probation, she could be ordered to serve up to one year in jail and pay probation fees.

Seven of the original nine counts, including multiple forgery and theft charges, were dismissed under the agreement.

The Arizona Auditor General's Office investigated the case, which was prosecuted by the Fraud and Special Prosecutions Section of the Arizona Attorney General's Office.

The case now heads to sentencing, where a judge will determine whether Brena serves prison time or probation, and whether the district will recover the nearly $86,000 taken from its students.