Two employees at the International School of Monterey in Seaside, California, have been arrested for allegedly embezzling nearly $300,000 from school funds. The scheme was uncovered after a suspicious Costco order placed by the school's former food services director, Terry Bumper, raised red flags.
Investigators discovered that Bumper, 42, had allegedly embezzled $58,800 by ordering products for his personal catering business, Flava 2 You, which he launched in 2023. Seaside Police Chief Nick Borges stated that Bumper is also accused of renting out the school's kitchens for personal profit.
Bumper's alleged actions led authorities to uncover further financial irregularities, with Chief Financial Officer Rosa Segura, 45, accused of siphoning more than $238,000 from school funds for personal expenses, including vacations, dining, spa treatments, and online shopping. Borges described Segura's alleged theft as significantly larger than Bumper's.
Bumper was arrested on Sept. 24 for felony embezzlement and formally charged on Oct. 20. He pleaded not guilty and was released on $20,000 bail. Bumper denied routing funds to his private business and told Monterey County NOW that Segura held final approval over all orders. Investigators are still determining if the two employees collaborated or were aware of each other's alleged activities.
Seaside Police Chief Nick Borges expressed his dismay at the alleged misuse of funds, emphasizing that taxpayer money intended for students was being stolen. Bumper, in an interview, stated his commitment to the children and denied stealing from them.