A Dark Cloud Over CapRadio: Former COO Jun Reina Faces Embezzlement and Grand Theft Charges

Well, this is certainly a gut punch for anyone who cares about local public radio, particularly here in Sacramento. CapRadio, an institution many of us rely on for news and culture, is grappling with a truly disheartening development. Its former Chief Operating Officer, Jun Reina, is now facing a rather stark list of charges – nine counts in total, including both grand theft and embezzlement. It's the kind of news that just makes your stomach drop, especially given the station's recent struggles.

The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office formally filed these charges on April 12th, and honestly, the details are pretty jarring. Reina stands accused of five counts of grand theft and another four counts of embezzlement. We’re talking about an alleged scheme where he supposedly used CapRadio's credit cards and funds for a host of purely personal indulgences. Think lavish travel, those fancy fine-dining experiences we all dream about, expensive jewelry, designer clothing, and even, believe it or not, home renovations. The total figure prosecutors are eyeing? A staggering sum hovering around $277,000. It really paints a picture, doesn't it?

What makes this situation particularly bitter, perhaps even infuriating for some, is the timing and the broader context. Just last summer, in August of 2023, CapRadio made the difficult decision to lay off 12% of its staff – real people, real livelihoods affected. The station openly cited significant financial challenges at the time, and it's now painfully clear that this alleged misconduct by Reina played a role in those very struggles. It’s hard not to feel a profound sense of betrayal when you consider the sacrifices made by so many while these alleged personal splurges were happening.

CapRadio’s leadership has, understandably, voiced their dismay. Ashley Swearengin, who chairs the CapRadio Board of Directors, didn’t mince words, calling the situation "a devastating situation" and, crucially, a "breach of trust." She emphasized that the board and management are fully committed to cooperating with the authorities. The investigation itself kicked off around August 2023, right after Reina had actually left his position with the station in July of that year. One can only imagine the discovery process and the sinking feeling that must have accompanied it.

So, where does this all go from here? An arrest warrant has already been issued for Reina, a standard step in these types of proceedings. He’s expected to be arraigned – that’s his first official court appearance to hear the charges and enter a plea – on April 29th in Sacramento Superior Court. It will be a significant moment, marking the formal beginning of what could be a long and complex legal battle. For now, the community watches, perhaps with a mix of sadness and a desire for accountability.

Ultimately, this isn't just a story about numbers or legal filings; it's about trust. It’s about the public's trust in institutions like CapRadio, and the trust employees place in their leadership. While the legal process unfolds, the station itself is left to navigate not only its financial recovery but also the challenging task of rebuilding that vital sense of confidence within its own ranks and with its listeners. It’s a tough road ahead, no doubt.