Loma Linda Employee Arrested On Suspicion Of Embezzlement

LOMA LINDA (CBSLA.com) — A 29-year-old man employed by Loma Linda was recently arrested on suspicion of embezzlement.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Joseph Kim of Riverside was in charge of the Verizon Wireless account for city employees for the past four years.

From October 2013 to August 2014, Kim purchased 151 cellular phones without approval from city management, deputies explained.

Authorities reported that charges for the phones were masked as monthly standard charges, which resulted in a total loss of more than $24,000.

Deputies said the phones were purchased at discounted rates and were not activated, which cost Verizon Wireless over $64,000.

A search warrant was conducted around 9 a.m. Tuesday at Kim's residence in the 25500 block of Barton Road.

Authorities explained evidence of embezzlement and supporting documentation was taken from the home.

Kim was held on suspicion of embezzlement at the Sheriff's Central Detention Center.

He posted bail and was released around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact detectives at (909) 387-3545.