A former Yuma school HR worker pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $86,000 in public funds via forged timesheets and unauthorized spending.

Mercedes Brena, a former Yuma Elementary School District HR specialist, has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $86,000 in public funds between November 2021 and October 2022 through forged timesheets, diverted money orders, and unauthorized credit card use for personal gift cards. She faces sentencing on April 15, 2026, and must repay $85,988.70. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office emphasized accountability in protecting taxpayer money meant for students.