Ex Redondo Beach police union treasurer pleads guilty to embezzling $72,000

A former sergeant pleaded guilty today to embezzling more than $72,000 from the Redondo Beach Police Officers' Association while he was the union's president and treasurer.

Gene Tomatani, 40, faced a grand theft by embezzlement felony charge. He faces a 90-day county jail term and three years probation if he pays more than $72,300 in restitution to the police officers' association and $3,000 to the police department, according to Deputy District Attorney Paul Nunez.

He also is expected to be ordered to spend one year in the Gamblers Anonymous program, according to the prosecutor.

Sentencing is set for March 15 before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Norm Shapiro.

According to the criminal complaint, filed in December, the theft occurred between May 1, 2004, and May 31, 2008.

"He's taking responsibility for his actions. We've worked hard to get an early resolution in this case,'' Tomatani's attorney, Vicki Podberesky, said shortly after the case was filed.

Tomatani was relieved of duty in November 2008 after officials learned about the missing money through an audit, the prosecutor said.