Press Releases

SACRAMENTO—State Controller Malia M. Cohen today released the following statement on the sentencing of Miguel Espinosa in relation to the theft of unclaimed property:

“Yesterday, a former employee of the State Controller’s Office pled guilty to three felony counts of grand theft. The employee, Miguel Espinosa, faces a sentence of three years and four months. I’m pleased the victims in this case will receive justice. I applaud the California Highway Patrol for responding swiftly to my request to investigate this matter and want to thank the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office for their good work. The State Controller’s Office continues to represent the highest standards of public service and has zero tolerance for criminal activity. We have taken steps to strengthen our internal controls to mitigate the risks of future crimes.”

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The Controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds. Follow the Controller on X at @CAController and on Facebook at California State Controller’s Office.

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