WESTMINSTER, Calif. – A 44-year-old Cypress man was sentenced Thursday to four years in jail for stealing about $75,000 from various charities at auctions.
John Lee West pleaded guilty Aug. 4 to eight felony counts of grand theft. As part of the plea deal five felony counts of fraudulent use of a credit card were dismissed.
West submitted bids online and at in-person silent auctions to obtain a variety of goods and services, which he acquired through canceled credit cards or fake or closed checking accounts, according to court records.
West attempted to steal $173,770, but received about $75,748, according to court records.
Victims listed in the complaint include the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, the Ray Leonard Foundation, Glendale College Foundation, American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Lupus LA, Ronald McDonald House, Woodlake Elementary School and St. Bonaventure Church in Huntington Beach.
