Updated: Former SMHS Coach Mooney Pleads Not Guilty to $20K Embezzlement Charges

12:16 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19

Former San Marino High School football coach Mike Mooney surrendered himself to the San Marino Police Department on Friday, Dec. 16, said SMPD Detective Henry Todd.

Mooney was transferred to the Alhambra Police Department for booking and processing. He was later released and ordered to appear in court on January 17, 2012 for a preliminary hearing.

Previously: Arraigned in Los Angeles Superior Court Downtown Thursday morning, former football coach Mike Mooney pleaded not guilty to the charge of embezzlement in connection with the alleged theft of $20,000 from the school.

Mooney waived his right to a preliminary hearing in 10 court days; his hearing will be held Jan 17.

Judge Upinder S. Kalra said the conditions of Mooney's release include that he be booked at the San Marino Police Department in the next seven days.

SMPD Detective Henry Todd and Mooney's attorney told Patch at the courthouse following the arraignment that they do not know exactly when Mooney will be booked.

Mooney's attorney declined to comment further on the case.

Mooney is charged with stealing funds from San Marino High School and the Associated Student Body from October 2008 to October 2010 and is accused of doing so through questionable reimbursement requests, Superintendent .

Kleinrock, who was the SMHS Principal at the time of Mooney’s fall 2010 administrative leave of absence and resignation, could not comment at the time on whether Mooney is accused of possibly also using other methods to allegedly embezzle SMHS funds.

Investigation into Mooney’s actions began in the fall of 2010, when a clerical worker noticed a request for reimbursement from Mooney was “not appropriate,” said Kleinrock. It was brought to Kleinrock’s attention.

Ultimately, the findings were submitted to the , a forensics auditor was brought in to go through the school’s books, and findings were submitted to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.