Biologist created fake invoices to steal $236,000 from San Diego Zoo, officials say

A former biologist stole nearly a quarter of a million dollars from the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.

Matthew John Anderson, who worked at the zoo for more than 17 years, pleaded guilty Thursday to stealing $236,000 over the course of eight years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Anderson, who was the director of Behavioral Biology for the zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research, admitted to creating “35 bogus invoices” from 2008 to 2016, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“The zoo paid the invoices, in some cases sending money to accounts controlled by Anderson, and in others sending payments to third parties who kicked back the bulk of the payments to Anderson,” the Department of Justice said..

Anderson, 49, of Ramona, California, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He is scheduled to be sentenced June 8.

“When an employee is elevated to a position of leadership, it is a sign of that company’s trust in the integrity and honesty of that person,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Brunner said in a statement. “When an employee violates that trust and abuses their position to defraud and steal money for personal benefit, the FBI stands ready to hold them accountable.”

Because he is a British citizen, Anderson could also face deportation or denial of his citizenship, his attorney told the San Diego Union-Tribune. By pleading guilty, Anderson wanted “to demonstrate to the court and society he is trying to right his wrong,” the attorney added to the Union-Tribune.

Anderson’s employment with the zoo was terminated in 2017, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.