Embezzlement case extended into 2020

CLOVIS - A case alleging embezzlement by the former director of the Curry Resident Senior Meals Association will stretch into 2020.

A continuance was granted Monday in district court in lieu of a sentencing hearing for Cherisse Perez, 35.

Perez was indicted in March by a Curry County grand jury for embezzlement over $20,000 following a December 2018 investigation into suspicious activity on CRSMA's bank account. She pleaded guilty early this month.

The point of contention in the sentencing is how much her prior record would enhance the sentence.

Prosecutor Jake Boazman said Perez has a 2007 conviction for trafficking and a 2010 conviction for identity theft. A habitual offender enhancement can be considered for charges within a 10-year window.

After the continuance was granted, Boazman told The News it was his belief both charges should apply to the embezzlement case because her 2010 conviction came during the probation term of the 2007 conviction.

If the court agrees with Boazman, Perez will receive three years in prison plus a four-year enhancement for seven years. If only the 2010 conviction is factored in, Perez would receive the three-year term and a one-year enhancement for four years.

Boazman told CRSMA employees and board members they could agree to the four years for Perez and be done with the matter Monday, or continue the case into 2020 and seek the seven years.

They chose the latter, and Boazman said he felt he owed it to the CRSMA staff he said has cooperated with him at every step and showed up to every hearing to seek the maximum possible sentence.

The case is expected to continue about a month from now, with defense attorney Tye Harmon noting a Perez family member has surgery in mid-January. District Judge Matt Chandler said he would notify both parties as soon as he found a date for a new sentencing hearing.

Harmon declined comment because he had nothing to add beyond what was said in the hearing, and deferred to Boazman's explanation of the continuance.