Joint investigation uncovers alleged embezzlement from Rancho Cordova youth baseball fundraiser
RANCHO CORDOVA — A coordinated investigation by the Rancho Cordova Police Department and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has led to the arrest of a 45-year-old man accused of embezzling more than $80,000 from Rancho Cordova Little League following a fundraising event
According to authorities, the case began in the spring of 2025 when the local youth baseball organization hosted a fundraiser and hired an outside DJ to provide music for attendees. The DJ was identified as Joseph Eta, 45. After being paid for his services, investigators allege Eta used fraudulent means to embezzle a large sum of money from the league.
The fraud was discovered late last year by Little League staff members, who contacted police to initiate an investigation. Detectives from the Rancho Cordova Police Department worked in collaboration with hi-tech crimes detectives from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office to review financial records and trace the alleged fraudulent activity.
Investigators ultimately determined that more than $80,000 had been embezzled. After detectives presented their findings, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Eta.
Earlier this week, members of the Rancho Cordova Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit located Eta in Modesto. Following a brief period of surveillance, officers made contact and took him into custody without incident.
Authorities said none of the embezzled funds were recovered, as the money had already been spent.
Eta was arrested on suspicion of forgery and grand theft and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail with bail set at $75,000. He later posted bond and is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 26, 2026, for arraignment proceedings.
Law enforcement officials said the arrest highlights the teamwork and diligence of local agencies working to protect community organizations and prevent further victimization of youth programs.
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives believe Eta may have victimized other individuals or groups. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the P3 Tips app or online atwww.sacvalleycrimestoppers.com. Tips leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
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