Judge Postpones Wagner Sentencing on Embezzlement Charges Until June 25
A Superior Court Judge Friday postponed the sentencing of Stephen A. Wagner, who pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $4 million from the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
At the request of defense attorney Paul S. Meyer, Superior Court Judge John J. Ryan set sentencing for June 25.
Neither Meyer nor the prosecutor would comment Friday as to why Meyer asked for the delay.
Wagner, 41, pleaded guilty last December to diverting between $3.5 million and $4 million from the school district to his personal accounts between 1986 and 1992. The embezzlement is believed to be the largest in state history.
Wagner confessed to using the money to finance an extravagant lifestyle. An anonymous person, believed to be a co-worker of Wagner, tipped police that the former school official was “living above his means.”
Prosecutors, who claim Wagner reneged on his previous promise to pay restitution to the school, said they will ask that he be sentenced the maximum eight-year, eight-month prison term.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
