By Nick Diamantides, Staff Writer
Gene Gluhareff is still behind bars at Los Angeles County Jail. The Signal Hill resident and businessman was arrested last May for felony embezzlement, but a trial date had not been set. “He was originally arrested for one count of embezzlement, but he posted bail and was released,” said Signal Hill Police Sergeant Mike Reid. “Later, he was charged with four additional counts and has been in custody ever since that time.”
Until his arrest, Gluhareff owned and operated the Benchmark Real Property Management Company. In early May, two of his clients, members of a local homeowners’ association, told police that they believed Gluhareff had embezzled money from the association.
A subsequent investigation uncovered evidence that he was spending his clients’ money for his personal expenses and moving money from one client’s account to another in an attempt to hide the crime. Early in the investigation, Gluhareff resigned his position as a Signal Hill Police Department (SHPD) volunteer. After the initial arrest, more of his clients came forward with stories of missing funds.
“We’re not sure of the total,” Reid said. “We estimate that he took $80,000 to $90,000 of his clients’ money.”
Gluhareff was arraigned on the charges more than three months ago, entered a “not guilty” plea and requested a jury trial. Reid said part of the reason a trial date has not been set is because Gluhareff’s attorney needs time to gather information and prepare an adequate defense.
Reid also noted that the county district attorney’s office is confident that it has enough evidence to successfully prosecute the case against Gluhareff. If convicted, he could be sentenced to several years in state prison. “I can’t speculate on the possible sentence,” Reid noted. “That’s up to the judge and jury.” Reid added that anyone who has more information, or suspects that Gluhareff may have embezzled from them as well, should contact SHPD detectives at (562) 989-7220.
