Former Capital Public Radio GM Jun Reina Arrested in $1.33M Embezzlement Scheme

Jun Reina, 60, the former general manager of Capital Public Radio, was arrested on felony charges of embezzlement, grand theft, and forgery. Prosecutors allege he orchestrated a scheme spanning six years, siphoning more than $1.33 million from the nonprofit broadcaster between December 2016 and June 2022. The funds were allegedly used for luxury travel, home renovations, and personal expenses.

Reina surrendered at the Sacramento County Main Jail and was released on $200,000 bail. He is scheduled to return to court for arraignment in April. The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office described the case as a violation of public trust, emphasizing the need for transparency in nonprofit organizations. District Attorney Thien Ho called the allegations devastating to community confidence.

Capital Public Radio operates major stations KXJZ-FM (90.9) and KXPR-FM (88.9), licensed to Sacramento State University. Reina joined the organization in 2007 as chief financial officer and rose to general manager in 2020. He resigned in 2023, months before the station announced layoffs and the cancellation of four music programs amid a financial crisis.

A forensic audit commissioned by Sacramento State revealed severe financial mismanagement. Investigators found $460,000 in donor funds spent on luxury items without receipts, including fine dining, international hotels, and home improvement supplies. Over $75,000 was allegedly charged for renovations to Reina's five-bedroom, three-bathroom home, purchased for $600,000. The audit also linked him to $768,000 in unsupported credit card expenses between 2017 and 2023.

Social media posts from Reina and his wife showed trips to Fiji, Peru, and Dubai, matching transaction logs. Among the alleged expenses: $27,000 at high-end restaurants, $17,000 in golf club memberships, and $10,250 for a luxury hotel in St. Maarten. Reina's bio on social media still lists him as general manager, despite leaving the station in 2023.

A civil lawsuit filed by CapRadio in 2024 alleged Reina stole at least $900,000. The case ended with a $1.2 million insurance settlement, but the station's insurer continues pursuing litigation. Chris Bruno, CapRadio's chief marketing officer, called the criminal charges an affirmation of the station's efforts to restore trust under new leadership.

In court, Reina denied wrongdoing, blaming internal oversight failures. He made his first court appearance surrounded by family, without entering a plea. As part of his release, he surrendered his passport. Former CapRadio news anchor Mike Hagerty called the charges overdue, noting the impact on staff and the station's reputation.

Interim general manager Frank Maranzino described the revelations as personally devastating. He confirmed the station has since overhauled financial systems and strengthened internal controls. Former president Rick Eytcheson called the allegations shocking and expressed grief for the station's staff and supporters.

The case highlights the role of forensic audits in uncovering financial misconduct. It also underscores the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations in maintaining accountability. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on the alleged misuse of donor funds and the broader implications for public trust in media institutions.

Reina's arrest has sparked renewed scrutiny of nonprofit governance. The case may set a precedent for how such misconduct is addressed in the public radio sector. For now, the spotlight remains on the financial records, the legal proceedings, and the ongoing efforts to rebuild CapRadio's credibility.

The forensic report obtained through a public records request detailed the scale of the alleged lifestyle funded by station funds. It included specific charges for home renovations, travel, and personal expenses. The evidence presented by prosecutors aims to demonstrate a pattern of unauthorized financial transactions over multiple years.

Legal experts note the significance of the $1.33 million figure, which exceeds the station's annual operating budget. The case may influence future audits and internal controls at similar organizations. As the trial approaches, the outcome could have lasting effects on the nonprofit sector and its relationship with donors and the public.

The allegations against Reina have also raised questions about the role of leadership in nonprofit organizations. His tenure at Capital Public Radio, which spanned over 15 years, included key roles in financial and operational management. The station's financial crisis, which led to layoffs and program cancellations, has been linked to the alleged misconduct.

The case continues to unfold, with the next court date set for April. The outcome will determine the legal consequences for Reina and the broader implications for CapRadio and its stakeholders. For now, the focus remains on the evidence, the charges, and the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for financial mismanagement.