The Pleasant Hill Police Department announced arrests in connection with an embezzlement and bribery investigation.
According to police, after a year long criminal investigation, felony charges have been filed against a former employee for the Pleasant Hill Tourism Improvement District in connection with an embezzlement and bribery scheme.
In July 2025, the City of Pleasant Hill received a report from a contracted company regarding possible fraud involving former Tourism Improvement District Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sibongile Viola Ncube. The Pleasant Hill Police Department subsequently began an investigation.
The Pleasant Hill Police Department determined that Ncube overcharged invoices and bills paid by the Tourism Improvement District and received unauthorized monetary kickbacks. The fraudulent activity occurred between September 2022 and July 2025 and resulted in an estimated loss of approximately $55,000.
The Pleasant Hill Police Department requested assistance from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, including a forensic review of bank statements and related financial records. Following its review, on July 24, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed two felony charges against Ncube, 641.3(a) PC – Commercial Bribery and 508 PC – Grand Theft Embezzlement.
Ncube is scheduled to be arraigned in court later this month.
The Pleasant Hill Police Department extends its appreciation to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for its thorough forensic review and assistance throughout the investigation
