A former Lynwood city employee pleaded guilty today to embezzling more than $27,000 from an employees' union, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

Eric Gonzalez, 35, entered his plea to one count of felony grand theft. He was immediately sentenced to two days in county jail, placed on formal probation for three years and ordered to complete 240 days of community service.

He also must pay $27,735 in restitution and can no longer be employed by the city of Lynwood. Gonzalez paid $20,000 today toward the restitution.

Deputy District Attorney Susan Ser of the Public Integrity Division prosecuted the case.

Between 2011 and 2012, Gonzalez served as president of the Lynwood Employees Association, a nonprofit union representing all city employees. During that period, the civil engineering technician made four unauthorized cash withdrawals totaling $27,735.

The withdrawals were later discovered by other board members who contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which launched an investigation.

Case BA444734 was investigated by the LASD and the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation.

Los Angeles County District Attorney / Case BA444734 / March 1, 2017