Former CAC basketball coach arrested on theft charges

A former Central Arizona College women's basketball coach has been arrested by the Pinal County Sheriff's Office on six counts of fraudulent schemes and six counts of theft. Denise Cardenas, 44, was arrested in Yuma on Saturday. She no longer works for CAC. In a Facebook post, PCSO stated that an investigation on Cardenas began in August 2022, when a CAC representative filed a report of possible theft. Investigators claim that between 2021 and 2022, Cardenas allegedly pocketed student financial aid and team fundraiser money totaling nearly $28,000, PCSO stated. Six alleged victims have come forward -- four students, one parent and the college. "A special thank you to Pinal County Attorney's Office investigators for helping us follow the money trail," Sheriff Mark Lamb stated. "As well as the the Yuma Police Department for their assistance apprehending this suspect." Investigators believe there may be more victims. Those with infomation are asked to call PCSO at 520-866-5111. CAC has campuses in Apache Junction,  San Tan Valley, Coolidge, Maricopa and Winkelman.