College Employees Charged with Fraud, Embezzlement

Monday, January 7, 2019 at 9:57 PM

Steven Gerencser, 49, & Daniel Uhl, 64 (Courtesy SJCSO)

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office:

On January 2nd, 2019, Detectives with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office arrested Steven Gerencser (49) and Daniel Uhl (64) of Farmington, NM on 32 counts of fraud and embezzlement, for misappropriation of funds during their employment with San Juan College. Gerencser and Uhl are accused of intentionally misappropriating over $200,000 belonging to the San Juan College School of Energy. The following charges have been filed against both defendants: fraud (over $20,000, 2nd degree felony), embezzlement (over $20,000, 2nd degree felony), fraud (over $2,500 but not over $20,000, 3rd degree felony, 9 counts), embezzlement ($2,500 but not over $20,000, 3rd degree felony, 9 counts), fraud ($500 but not over $2,500, 4th degree felony, 6 counts) and embezzlement ($500 but not over $2,500, 4th degree felony, 6 counts). Gerencser and Uhl are scheduled for their first appearance in front of Judge Sharer on January 16th, 2019 at 8am in Aztec Magistrate Court.

Statement from San Juan College President Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass:

San Juan College leadership became aware of discrepancies in the College's well control program in March 2018. In accordance with the College's legal requirements, the matter was reported to law enforcement and the Office of the State Auditor. The College has been cooperating with law enforcement's investigation into this matter.

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