Nevada City, CA – Nevada County District Attorney Jesse Wilson announced today that felony charges have been filed against Miranda Brown for embezzlement, following an extensive investigation by the District Attorney’s Office which started back in 2025.
Embezzlement, as defined under California law, occurs when a person who has been lawfully entrusted with property or funds, often due to a position of trust, employment, or leadership role, unlawfully converts that property to their own use. Unlike theft, which involves taking something without permission in the first place, embezzlement involves a betrayal of trust already given.
According to the evidence gathered during this investigation, Brown served as the President of the Water Otters swim program in Lake Wildwood for many years. Between the years of 2022 and 2025, the evidence indicates that Brown systematically diverted program funds for personal use, resulting in losses believed to total many thousands of dollars during each of the years alleged. The District Attorney’s Office’s investigation into the full scope of the financial loss is ongoing, and the office is committed to determining the most accurate and complete accounting possible as the case proceeds.
As with all criminal charges, Brown is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
We encourage anyone with information related to this case to contact our office at District.Attorney@nevadacountyca.gov and speak with an investigator.
A Message to Our Community
This case is a reminder of something every small community depends on, the trust we place in the people who lead our local organizations. Community groups, service organizations, youth programs, and similar nonprofits are often run by volunteers and staff who dedicate enormous time and energy, and the residents and families who support them do so in good faith.
Whether an organization is large or small, public or private, volunteer run or professionally staffed, that trust needs to be matched with real financial safeguards; regular audits, dual authorization on accounts, transparent recordkeeping, and clear oversight by a board or governing body. These aren’t signs of distrust in the people running these organizations, they are basic protections for the funds that hardworking community members contribute.
The District Attorney’s Office encourages every local organization that manages community funds or donations to review their financial controls and ensure the people and resources our community relies on are properly protected.