A former executive officer at the Lassen County Superior Court faces seven felony charges of misappropriating public funds.
The California Attorney General filed the criminal complaint on Oct. 7 against Theresa Stalter. The charges stem from an audit in October 2024 that flagged suspicious transactions on a court-assigned Bank of America credit card.
The audit revealed payments Stalter submitted for reimbursement that appeared unauthorized. Court staff and law enforcement first learned of the alleged misconduct during that audit.
The complaint lists specific incidents, including a $412.96 Southwest Airlines ticket, a $736 tax preparation payment, and two $7,600 tuition reimbursements to Phoenix University. Other charges involve payments for Rotary dues, a senior baseball banner, and graduation invitations.
If convicted, Stalter faces mandatory state prison time. Lassen County Superior Court Judges Mark Nareau and Robert Burns have stepped aside from the case. Deputy Attorney General Andrea B. Buccine will prosecute.
Stalter’s arraignment is set for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, in Courtroom B.
You might wonder how such alleged misuse of funds went unnoticed for years. What controls could the courthouse put in place to catch issues earlier? This case highlights the need for ongoing audits and clear oversight in public offices.
If you work in a public agency, consider reviewing your processes for expense approvals and reimbursements. Regular checks can protect taxpayer money and maintain trust in government institutions.
