CONCORD, CA – Eric Rego, 39, of El Dorado Hills, was arrested and charged with mail fraud after an investigation revealed he had stolen electronic devices intended for students in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD). Rego, formerly the program coordinator for MDUSD, used school district funds to purchase electronics and then sold them for personal gain.
According to an indictment from the United States District Attorney’s Office, Rego exploited the school district’s after-school program, which provided free services to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The program was funded by state grants, and Rego worked alongside a nonprofit organization to operate it.
From July 2020 to May 2024, Rego used the funds to purchase iPads, MacBooks, GoPros, and other electronics, telling the nonprofit that the devices would be distributed to students. However, instead of delivering the items to schools, Rego allegedly kept them for himself and sold them.
MDUSD officials confirmed the discovery of financial misconduct after an internal review. It was found that the purchased devices were never delivered to the schools. In response, MDUSD filed a report with the Concord Police Department.
Dr. Adam Clark, Superintendent of MDUSD, expressed the district’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “Educating our children is our most pressing priority,” said Clark. “Anyone who attempts to misuse funds intended for the education of our students will be held accountable.”
Rego reportedly instructed a nonprofit employee to include the stolen electronics on invoices, which he then approved himself. The total value of the stolen items is approximately $3.3 million.
Rego faces three counts of mail fraud. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
