In a case that has rocked a well-known San Diego County nonprofit, Hector Ramos, the former head of information technology at North County Health Services (NCHS), faces charges of embezzling nearly $800,000. Ramos, 55, pleaded not guilty on Friday to 49 felony counts related to the alleged theft that spanned eight months in 2015.
The charges, which include grand theft, identity theft, and forgery, carry the potential for a maximum sentence of 36 years in state prison if Ramos is convicted. Prosecutors allege that the embezzled funds financed a life of luxury, including international travel, expensive clothing, and a $44,000 Porsche.
The Nonprofit’s Mission and Betrayal
NCHS, based in San Marcos, is a nonprofit organization providing affordable healthcare to low-income families across North San Diego County. The organization serves a vulnerable population, making the alleged betrayal particularly impactful.
Anna Winn, Deputy District Attorney for San Diego County, described the theft as “demoralizing” for NCHS staff, who felt deeply betrayed by someone they had entrusted to manage their technological infrastructure.
The Scheme Uncovered
According to the prosecution, Ramos was hired by NCHS in January 2015 with a substantial annual salary of $200,000. Shortly after joining, Ramos allegedly established two fraudulent corporations to submit falsified invoices for IT equipment and services.
Prosecutors say Ramos manipulated the urgency of the invoices, pressuring NCHS’s purchasing department to expedite payments by warning that delays could cause the nonprofit’s computer systems to fail.
An assistant in Ramos’ department grew suspicious and began investigating the companies named on the invoices. The investigation revealed that Ramos was listed as a board member for both entities. When the assistant brought this information to NCHS leadership, the scheme unraveled.
Lavish Lifestyle at NCHS’s Expense
Bank records reviewed during the investigation reportedly showed no evidence of the computer equipment or software purchases that Ramos had claimed in the invoices. Instead, the funds were traced to personal indulgences, including:
- A $44,000 check to a Porsche dealership
- Thousands of dollars spent on cigars and wine
- Lavish international vacations
- High-end clothing and accessories
“This was not just theft; it was extravagant,” Winn stated.
Legal Proceedings and Civil Lawsuit
During Ramos’ arraignment in Vista Superior Court, his attorney, Thomas Warwick, defended his client as a “credible individual” with a previously unblemished record spanning 30 years. However, the prosecution argued that the alleged theft was both deliberate and egregious.
Judge David Danielsen set Ramos’ bail at $1 million, with a stipulation that any bail funds must be proven to have been legally obtained.
In addition to the criminal case, NCHS’s insurance provider filed a civil lawsuit against Ramos in July 2017, seeking to recover the embezzled funds. That case is ongoing.
Impact on NCHS
The theft has reportedly left lasting damage at NCHS. Beyond the financial loss, staff members have expressed feelings of betrayal and demoralization.
“This organization works tirelessly to help those in need,” Winn said. “The loss of these funds is a blow to their ability to fulfill their mission.”
The nonprofit has since implemented stricter financial oversight and hiring procedures to prevent future incidents.
