GRIMES COUNTY FAIR OFFICIAL FACES THEFT CHARGES

  

A Grimes County Fair Association official has been arrested and charged with felony theft.

47 year old John Anthony Cruz of Iola, who has served as President of the Grimes County Fair Association and is currently the Vice President, turned himself in to the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office today (Friday).  Cruz is charged with theft of property more than $30,000 but less than $150,000, which is a 2nd degree felony.  According to the Sheriff’s investigators, Cruz acknowledged in a non-custodial interview that he conducted fraudulent transactions that resulted in $38,000 in funds being stolen from the Fair Association.

During an internal audit of its accounts, the Grimes County Fair Association had discovered that several previous transactions appeared to be questionable.  Further review of bank records indicated that those transactions had been completed by Cruz while he was President of the Association.

Cruz has been released from jail after posting a $15,000 bond.  A 2nd degree felony is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.  The Grimes County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the matter.