Article Originally Published Here
A 33-year-old campus security guard at Tacoma Community College’s (TCC) Gig Harbor branch is facing multiple charges for allegedly stealing $63,000 from the TCC Foundation through a fraudulent check scheme.
The Alleged Scheme
Zaquita McClanahan, employed as a security guard since 2021, was charged with first-degree theft, first-degree identity theft, and forgery. Authorities claim she illegally accessed the college foundation’s checking account, depositing 10 fraudulent checks totaling $63,000 between November 15, 2023, and December 4, 2023.
An investigation was launched in December 2023 after the foundation’s Umpqua checking account was frozen due to suspicious activity. Court documents allege that McClanahan deposited checks into her personal account using the foundation’s account and routing numbers. The fraudulent checks ranged from $2,500 to $8,500.
Foundation’s Previous Checks
Prosecutors revealed that McClanahan had received two legitimate checks from the foundation in the past, each for $500, which contained the same account and routing numbers later used for the fraudulent transactions. These previous checks were issued for a broken-down car and for personal hardship, respectively.
READ: Cleveland Water Plant Security Breach: Guard Caught Sleeping as Car Crashes Through Fence
Evidence and Admission
Investigators obtained security footage from TAPCO Credit Union in Gig Harbor that reportedly shows McClanahan in her TCC security uniform using the school’s vehicle to negotiate one of the fraudulent checks. She also allegedly opened a separate bank account at BECU to deposit other fraudulent checks.
When questioned by authorities, McClanahan initially admitted to depositing one of the checks and claimed she was involved in an online relationship with someone she had never met. She said this individual had provided her with the information used in the fraudulent activity.
McClanahan has since been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues. Her arraignment is scheduled for September 17 in Pierce County Superior Court.
