The Needles Sand Shark Swim Team received over $56,000. in restitution from John and Janay Lusk 
DATE/TIME: Monday, April 26, 2021 at 11:00AM
INCIDENT: Embezzlement
LOCATION: 1700 Block of J Street, Needles, CA.
SUSPECT(S): John Paul Lusk, age 44, a resident of Needles
Janay Monique Lusk, age 41 a resident of Needles.
VICTIM(S): Needles Sand Sharks Swim Team
SUMMARY: ****CASE UPDATE****
In July of 2019, detectives from the Needles Police and Sheriff's Department began an investigation into the embezzlement of money from the Needles Sand Sharks Swim Team, a local youth program. Two suspects, John and Janay Lusk, had been entrusted with the Sand Sharks bank account since 2013. During the investigation, it was determined the Lusk's embezzled more than $50,000, not related to swim team activities.
The case was submitted to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office for review. On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, the District Attorney's Office filed felony embezzlement charges against John and Janay Lusk, and arrest warrants were issued for both.
On Thursday, April 15, 2021, Janay Lusk plead guilty to PC 504-Embezzlement, a felony. Janay Lusk received 36 months of supervised felony probation and 60 days confinement in the county jail. She will be eligible for the County jail weekend/work release program. Criminal charges were dismissed for John Lusk, per penal code 1385 Interest of Justice.
As part of the resolution to this investigation, the Lusks agreed to pay restitution. The Needles Sand Shark Swim Team received a payment of $56,703.95 from the Lusks.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Brandon Abell at the Colorado River Station (760)326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave the information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.
For press releases, news, and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Twitter at @CORiverStation.
Refer: Detective Brandon Abell
Station: Colorado River Station/ Needles Police Department
Phone No. 760-326-9206
Case No. 211900611
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Colorado River Sheriffs Department
1111 Bailey Ave
Needles, CA 92363
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1