California Accountant Steals Half a Million Dollars from Oxnard Farm

The Camarillo business world is reeling today after the owner of an accounting firm has been arrested on multiple felony counts of embezzlement in California.

According to the Ventura County district attorney’s office, Paige Jones Hibbits allegedly redirected $470,000 from Oxnard-based Scarborough Farms Inc. to her own personal accounts during the years of 2007 to 2011.

Hibbits, 69, is an active member of the Camarillo community. Until recently, she has held leadership positions with various nonprofits and local businesses, including treasurer of the Ventura County Brain Injury Center and member of the Ventura County Taxpayers Association. She was also voted Camarillo Woman of the Year in 2010 and Ventura County Woman of Distinction for 2011.

Hibbits stepped down from two of her positions last August, Chair of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce and treasurer of the Camarillo Rotary Club, citing health reasons.

The alleged fraud was discovered after Scarborough did an internal audit and found several discrepancies in the company accounts. Hibbits was arrested on December 7 and is charged with 21 counts of forgery, money laundering, grand theft, computer fraud, and aggravated white-collar crime.

Authorities are unsure how much of the money remains.

Hibbits is being held on $1 million bail at the Main Jail in Ventura. She could face as many as of 20 years in prison if convicted.

If you are facing fraud charges in California, get advice from a Ventura criminal defense lawyer at Bamieh & Erickson today. Call (805) 643-5555 for a free consultation.