SIMI VALLEY : Ex-Rotary Leader Enters Guilty Plea
The former president of the Rancho Simi Rotary Club has pleaded guilty to embezzling $9,000 from the service organization, which raises money for various charities, authorities said.
Nicholas Wassil, 40, pleaded guilty to one felony count of grand theft by embezzlement during a brief hearing Wednesday in Ventura County Municipal Court. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 11.
Wassil faces a maximum of three years in prison. But Deputy Dist. Atty. Deborah Elliot said the defendant is more likely to receive a probationary sentence because he has no previous criminal record.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Judge Steve Hintz ordered Wassil to fully reimburse the club and to pay a fine, the amount of which has not been determined.
Wassil, who was not available for comment Thursday, surrendered to authorities last month after learning that a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
He was later released on his own recognizance.
Simi Valley police said they began investigating Wassil after receiving a tip from a member of the Rotary Club.
Elliot said Wassil embezzled the money from the club between February and June last year while serving as the organization’s president.
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