Ceci Velasquez is an American politician and paralegal who served as a Democratic member of the Arizona House of Representatives from 2015 to 2017. She was convicted of fraud in 2016.
Ceci Velasquez | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Arizona House of Representatives from the 29th district | |
| In office January 9, 2015 – January 9, 2017 Serving with Richard C. Andrade | |
| Preceded by | Lydia Hernandez |
| Succeeded by | Cesar Chavez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Litchfield Park, Arizona |
| Education | Phoenix College (AS) Arizona State University (BA) |
Early life and education
editVelasquez born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and is a second-generation Mexican-American. Velasquez earned an Associate of Science from Phoenix College and a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Arizona State University. She worked in social services for 12 years and founded the Arizona Guidance Organization, a nonprofit that provides support to families in the justice system.[1]
Arizona House of Representatives
editTenure
editVelasquez was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2014 alongside Cesar Chavez. She served on the Federalism and States' Rights and Rules committees.[1]
Legal troubles and indictment
editUpon election, it was discovered there was an outstanding warrant for her arrest due to failing to pay court fees from traffic violations in 2010.[2]
Velasquez was indicted by an Arizona grand jury on May 23, 2016 with three felony counts: fraudulent schemes and practices; unlawful use of food stamps; and theft.[3] Velasquez pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of food stamps, a Class 1 misdemeanor. She paid restitution for the amount and was sentenced to 12 months of supervised probation and 100 hours of community service.[4][5]
References
edit- ^ a b "Ceci Velasquez". Arizona State Legislature. Archived from the original on March 31, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
- ^ "Arrest warrant out for legislator-elect". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved Feb 12, 2021.
- ^ Graziosi, Graig. "Arizona lawmaker Ceci Velasquez pleads not guilty to allegations of food-stamp fraud". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved Feb 12, 2021.
- ^ Alder, Madison. "Arizona lawmaker Ceci Velasquez pleads guilty in food-stamp case". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved Feb 12, 2021.
- ^ Mary Jo Pitzl, The Republic (December 1, 2016). "Arizona lawmaker Ceci Velasquez receives probation in food-stamp fraud". azcentral.com.