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The property manager for a group of ranchers near Moorpark was arrested last week for allegedly embezzling over $40,000, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began in March after sheriff’s deputies were approached by Winchester Water Well Group, which represents five owners of ranch property just outside the city limits. The landowners alleged they were the victims of embezzlement by their property management company, Progressive Land Management.

The ranchers reported they had hired the firm in mid-2014 to manage and service an irrigation well.

Over the course of several weeks, investigators determined the owner of the property management company,Michael Mobley, 65, of Oxnard, was the suspect in the embezzlement case.

Detectives learned Mobley had embezzled at least $40,000 over several years and hid the thefts by falsifying bank documents, according to the sheriff’s office.

In addition to owning the property management firm, Mobley is president of United Water Conservation District and sits on the board of the local Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency.

Detectives served search warrants at Mobley’s residence in Oxnard and his office in Santa Paula, where they seized evidence, authorities said.

On May 20, Mobley was arrested on suspicion of felony grand theft and booked into county jail. He was released later that day on bond, according to online jail records. He is due to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on June 3.

Investigators suspect there may be other clients of Mobley who may have been victimized. Anyone with information for investigators can contact Detective Sergeant Kevin Lynch at 805-532-2716.

Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached by calling 805-437-0208 or emailing [email protected]. You can also find him on Twitter @Jeremy_Childs.

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