SANTA ANA, California – The former deputy treasurer for the City of Compton pleaded guilty yesterday to federal charges stemming from his theft of more than $3.7 million of city funds.

Salvador Galvan, 47, of La Mirada, pleaded guilty to one count of theft from an organization receiving federal funds, a felony offense that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

Galvan pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who scheduled a sentencing hearing for November 3, 2017.

When he pleaded guilty, Galvan admitted that he stole $3,721,924 from the City of Compton from May 2010 through December 2016

Galvan, who worked in the Compton Treasurer's Office for more than 20 years, was responsible for tallying the cash received by the city as payment for parking tickets, business licenses and other fees. After the cash was counted, Galvan prepared the money for deposit into a city bank account.

According to court documents, Galvan skimmed cash from the daily receipts on numerous occasions, sometimes taking as much $8,000 per day.

Galvan has agreed to forfeit to the government the remaining proceeds of his embezzlement, which includes cash and cars purchased with the stolen money. He has also agreed to pay restitution to the City of Compton as ordered by Judge Staton.

In conjunction with Galvan's guilty plea, his wife – Rosa Maria Galvan – was charged with money laundering related to the embezzled funds. She pleaded guilty to that charge yesterday as well and will also be sentenced on November 3, 2017.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel O'Brien, Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Galatzan of the Asset Forfeiture Section is assisting in the case.

Component(s): USAO – California, Central

Contact: Thom Mrozek Spokesperson/Public Affairs Officer United States Attorney's Office

Central District of California (Los Angeles) 213-894-6947

Press Release Number: 17-136 Updated July 14, 2017

Central District of California DOJ / 17-136 / July 14, 2017