PETALUMA, CA — A Rohnert Park woman is facing serious legal trouble after allegedly embezzling nearly $200,000 from her employer, a Petaluma-based construction company.
Gina Banducci, 40, was arrested on April 4 on suspicion of embezzlement and booked into the Sonoma County jail, the Petaluma Police Department announced Thursday. She has since been released, according to jail records.
The investigation began on March 28 when Petaluma police were contacted by Tomrose Construction, a general contracting firm headquartered in Petaluma. Company management reported that they had discovered what they believed to be a significant internal theft carried out by an employee over a two-year period.
According to Petaluma police Lt. Matthew Parnow, the company provided documentation alleging that Banducci had misappropriated approximately $180,000 in company funds for unauthorized personal use.
“The information and documentation provided showed Banducci had used company funds to pay for personal items and services that were not authorized by Tomrose Construction,” Parnow said in a statement. “The unauthorized transactions dated back to 2023.”
Following an investigation, officers arrested Banducci at her residence in Rohnert Park. Details regarding the specific nature of the purchases have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether the company will pursue restitution through civil proceedings in addition to criminal charges.
Authorities have not yet released a formal list of charges, and the case is expected to be reviewed by the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office.
The Petaluma Police Department stated the investigation is ongoing.