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Bear Valley Police Department
******** PRESS  RELEASE ********

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (February 11, 2009)

Suspect Wanted for Grand Theft, Money Laundering, and Computer Crimes


The Bear Valley Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating an individual who is the suspect in an investigation involving the theft and laundering of more than three hundred twenty-four thousand dollars.

The investigation, which began in the summer of 2008, came about following a report from the Bear Valley property owners’ association (BVSA) that a financial audit had revealed a monetary loss in the hundreds of thousands. The thefts occurred over, more than, a two year period.   

Our investigation has determined that the crimes, which include criminal use of a computer, were the acts of a single individual. The Kern County District Attorney’s office has filed charges against, and issued an arrest warrant for, KERRY LEE BRANDT (49), last known to have resided in Tehachapi. In June of 2008, BRANDT abandoned her position as the Association’s accounting manager, a day following an office discussion about an “unusual” financial transaction.

With the exception of a random reported sighting, BRANDT (who also took her daughter, who was 9 years old at the time of disappearance) has not been seen since. BVPD Investigators have developed several leads as to BRANDT’S whereabouts and have not ruled out that she may have fled to another state.

The Bear Valley Police Department is asking anyone who may have information as to the whereabouts of BRANDT, or any other helpful information, to contact Police investigations by calling the Investigations Tip-Line at 661-821-1457. All credible information will be followed-up and is appreciated.

Sergeant David Watts
BVPD Investigations

WANTED
FOR GRAND THEFT / MONEY LAUNDERING /  COMPUTER CRIMES

Date: 02 / 10 / 2009
Case #: 08-0113
Name: KERRY LEE BRANDT

Address: LKA: TEHACHAPI, CA
Height:5’ 6”
Weight: 130
Age: 49
Sex:  FEMALE
Eyes: BROWN
Hair: BROWN
Race: WHITE
Birth Date: 12/19/1959
Crime:186.10 PC/487(A) PC/502(C)(1) PC

INFORMATION:

SUSPECT KERRY BRANDT EMBEZZLED IN EXCESS OF THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM HER EMPLOYER WHILE EMPLOYED AS FINANCE ACCOUNTING MANAGER FOR THE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF BEAR VALLEY SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA.  MONIES WERE SPENT TO MAKE HIGH DOLLAR PURCHASES AND LIVE A LAVISH LIFESTYLE. UPON THE REALIZATION THAT HER EMPLOYER BECAME AWARE OF THE THEFTS, BRANDT NEVER RETURNED TO WORK. INDICATIONS ARE THAT BRANDT HAS FLED THE LOCAL AREA AND MAY HAVE FLED TO ANOTHER STATE.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION AS TO THE WHEREABOUTS OF BRANDT OR ANY OTHER INVESTIGATIVE LEADS, PLEASE CONTACT THE BEAR VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT. IN-CUSTODIES: 661-821-3239 / INVEST. TIP-LINE: 661-821-1457