Former Rialto District Accountant Charged With Embezzling Lunch Money To Remain In Custody

SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — A judge Tuesday has denied bail for a former Rialto Unified School District accountant accused of stealing $1.8 million in district lunch money.

Judith Oakes, 48, has been ordered to remain in custody without bail for the next three months.

She was arrested Aug. 7, 2013 after school video recorded her allegedly stuffing school lunch money in her bra.

After a follow-up investigation, Oakes was charged with eight counts of embezzlement by a public or private officer and eight counts of public officer crime, according to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office.

Meanwhile, as Oakes was reported to appear physically stressed following her time in jail, her attorney says he is content with the prospect of more time to work out a defense.

"We just needed additional time, and I'm very pleased that the judge agreed," defense attorney Patrick Milligan said.

The judge will consider another bail request at her next court date scheduled for June.

If convicted, she could face 11 years in state prison.

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