SAN LUIS VALLEY — A person is being investigated for embezzling from the Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank and Marty’s Maintenance.

The Monte Vista Police Department is handling the food bank investigation, while Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office is looking into the other.

A statement from Jennifer Becker, executive director of the Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank, and the board of directors stated, "Currently there is an active and aggressive ongoing criminal investigation. Any and all parties that are being investigated have been removed from all Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank operations. New security measures have been put in place to protect monetary and food donations. At this time, we cannot provide details due to the ongoing investigation.

"Rest assured we are holding special board meetings and are actively cooperating fully with authorities. We will provide a press release as soon as we are able. Please be assured that your donations to the Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank are secure and are needed now more than ever.

"We are heartbroken, but we have a mission and a desire to continue to fight food insecurity. We feel certain in the generosity of our community. We need your donations now, more than ever, to continue to serve those most in need."

Monte Vista Police Chief George Dingfelder confirmed there is an investigation into alleged embezzlement from the food bank in a statement to the Valley Courier stated, "I can confirm that we are investigating missing funds from the MV Food Bank. It is an active and ongoing investigation so we are limited in what we can release and discuss."

Marty’s Maintenance, a business in Alamosa County, also reported missing funds. Both had the same former bookkeeper.

Business owner Marty Husmann posted this to Facebook, "I know the rumors are probably already swirling, so I figure I might as well get out in front of it. The State of Colorado came in today and gave me 10 days to come up with $175,000. This all stems from back payroll taxes that my bookkeeper failed to pay and kept hidden from me until just a few months ago. I understand that ultimately it is my responsibility, and I will have to suffer the consequences. We have been working on redoing the last five years of our books to figure out how much she [a former bookkeeper] had been stealing." Requests for comment from Husmann were not received by press time.

In Alamosa County, Ken Anderson, Division Chief with the Alamosa County Sheriff's Office said, "This is currently an active investigation by the Alamosa County Sheriff's Office, no further information will be released at this time."