Former golf pro arrested on suspicion of embezzling $150k from California golf club
A former golf professional was arrested on suspicion of embezzling nearly $150,000 from Elkhorn Golf Club in Stockton, according to authorities.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said the investigation began in November 2024 after club officials reported a 'significant embezzlement.'
Property crimes detectives said they found about $147,000 in missing cash deposits between 2022 and 2024 during the investigation.
Detectives identified 44-year-old Mykal Parsons, who was employed as the golf professional at Elkhorn Golf Club when the funds were taken, as the suspect. An arrest warrant was issued for Parsons, and he was taken into custody by property crimes detectives May 8. He was booked into San Joaquin County Jail on charges of embezzlement and grand theft.
Parsons was arrested the same day as Joseph Smith, former executive director of First Tee of San Joaquin, who is accused of embezzling $90,000 from the Stockton-based youth nonprofit.
It's unclear if the two criminal cases are related. Sheriff's spokesperson Heather Brent was not able to confirm that as of May 23. Parsons was arraigned May 21 in San Joaquin County Superior Court. He is charged with embezzlement and grand theft.
"This case represents a significant breach of trust, and our office is committed to holding those who exploit their positions for personal gain accountable," San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said. "We will pursue justice to ensure the victims are heard and restitution is sought."
Parsons is scheduled to appear at 8:30 a.m. June 11 in Department 8C of San Joaquin County Superior Court for further arraignment.
Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
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