AG Brnovich Announces Fraud Charges Against Long-Time Sunnyside School District Employee

Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced the State Grand Jury indicted long-time Sunnyside Unified School District employee, Joan Katz, on multiple felony charges for Fraudulent Schemes and Practices, Presentment of False Instrument for Filing, and Conflict of Interest.

As outlined in the indictment, Katz, the former Parents as Teachers Program coordinator, allegedly had hired her daughter’s company, The Souls Nest, LLC, without obtaining competitive bids and without disclosing her conflict of interest. Similarly, Katz allegedly hired another district employee’s company, G&H Educational Services, without obtaining competitive bids. After payment was sent to both companies, the indictment alleges that Katz submitted false documents to cover up the lack of a competitive bidding process for both projects.

Katz was arraigned on the charges in Pima County Superior Court on Friday, October 8, 2021.

Copy of the indictment is available.