Former Redondo Beach police union head sentenced for embezzlement

March 15, 2010 | By KPCC Wire Services | KPCC

A former sergeant was sentenced today to 90 days in jail and three years probation for embezzling more than $72,000 from the Redondo Beach Police Officers' Association while he was the union's president and treasurer.

Gene Tomatani, 40, pleaded guilty last month to one count of grand theft by embezzlement. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to participate in a Gamblers Anonymous program for a year. He paid $75,388.56 in restitution prior to being sentenced, according to prosecutors.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Norm Shapiro ordered Tomatani to surrender April 20 to begin serving his three-month jail term.

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

His attorney, Vicki Podberesky, said earlier that her client was ``taking responsibility for his actions.''

Tomatani was relieved of duty in November 2008 after officials learned about the missing money through an audit, prosecutors said. He submitted his resignation in October while administrative hearings were pending.

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