$100,000 embezzlement schemes unresolved
Police still looking for Cottonwood fraud suspect

Traci Ann Koelzer is wanted by police for allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 from the Old Town Association in Cottonwood.
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office/Courtesy

Traci Ann Koelzer is wanted by police for allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 from the Old Town Association in Cottonwood.

The hunt is still on for Traci Ann Koelzer.

The 50-year-old allegedly embezzled more than $100,000 from the Old Town Association (OTA) - a nonprofit that promotes community events along Highway 89A in Old Town Cottonwood - and another Old Town Cottonwood business.

She was serving as the OTA’s treasurer at the time of the embezzlement.

In the latter part of April 2018, Cottonwood Police Department detectives began investigating the matter, only to find Koelzer had disappeared.

“It appears Koelzer became aware of the pending criminal investigation and fled the area,” said Cottonwood Police Department spokesperson Monica Kuhlt.

At this point in the investigation, Cottonwood police have established probable cause to arrest Koelzer for her alleged felony conduct and involvement in this case, Kuhlt said. Additionally, there is an active warrant for Koelzer regarding a probation violation, said Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Dwight D’Evelyn.

Police are asking that those with information on Koelzer’s whereabouts contact Yavapai Silent Witness at 800-932-3232 or Cottonwood Police at 928-649-1397. Anyone who calls in a direct tip to Yavapai Silent Witness that results in an arrest becomes eligible for a cash reward, D’Evelyn said.

Follow Max Efrein on Twitter @mefrein, email him at mefrein@prescottaz.com or call him at 928-445-3333 ext. 1105.


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