Former Atascadero company executive sentenced for grand theft
Robert Conrad Vasquez.
Prosecutors said company funds paid personal expenses over several years
– San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced that Robert Conrad Vasquez has been sentenced to four years and four months in state prison following convictions on five felony counts of grand theft and one misdemeanor count of possessing an assault weapon.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Vasquez also admitted the thefts were related felonies and involved losses exceeding $100,000.
Vasquez, 38, of Paso Robles, previously worked as chief financial officer for Scott O’Brien Fire and Safety Company in Atascadero. Prosecutors said that from February 2019 through September 2023, Vasquez stole company funds to pay monthly rent and make payments toward personal credit card debt.
At sentencing, the victim estimated the company’s direct financial losses between $400,000 and $600,000.
Vasquez entered a no contest plea on Feb. 2.
As part of the plea agreement, the District Attorney’s Office agreed to seek no more than six years in state prison. Deputy District Attorney Ben Blumenthal argued for the maximum six-year sentence allowed under the agreement, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
After hearing statements from the victim, prosecution, and defense, Judge Michael S. Frye sentenced Vasquez to four years and four months in state prison.
Judge Frye ordered Vasquez remanded into the custody of the Sheriff’s Office for transport to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The case is scheduled for a restitution status determination hearing on June 24.
The Atascadero Police Department investigated the case, and Deputy District Attorney Ben Blumenthal prosecuted it. Victim services were provided through the Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center.
