Fired SLO County employee bought DJ equipment and a crossbow with stolen funds, DA says
The San Luis Obispo County employee who was fired and accused of stealing at least $250,000 used the money to buy high-end DJ equipment, photo gear and a $2,000 crossbow, a prosecutor alleged during the man’s first appearance in court on Friday.
Norman Hibble, 54, is charged with 12 felony counts of embezzlement by a public officer, court records show, in a period of time that lasted from April 2017 to January 2023. One charge carries a sentencing enhancement for the amount being more than $100,000.
Hibble worked for the county as an IT supervisor in the technology department for 16 years, according to a county news release, and was fired on Jan. 5 after the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office opened a misuse of funds investigation in November.
Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth told The Tribune that Hibble stole money from the county on an almost weekly basis over the six years. Hibble was arrested and charged on Tuesday.
In court on Friday, Deputy District Attorney Ben Blumenthal said Hibble used a San Luis Obispo County issued credit card to buy pricey DJ equipment, photo equipment, medical kits, the crossbow and several other items.
He had at least $100,000 of items delivered to his home and falsified county records to conceal the purchases, Blumenthal added.
“I wish it was hyperbole to say he needed C-trains to store all of the items,” Blumenthal said, adding that Hibble did in fact buy the large storage container to store his purchases.
Blumenthal said that while the DA’s Office is still determining the exact amount Hibble allegedly embezzled, the total is at least $250,000.
If convicted, he faces a 16 year state prison sentence.
Bail reduced for former SLO County employee accused of embezzlement
Hibble, who was was in jail custody as of Friday morning and appeared in court in an orange jumpsuit and mask, also had his bail reduced at Friday’s hearing.
His bail initially was set at $350,000 — $25,000 per count — but San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Barry LaBarbera reduced that to $250,000.
Deputy District Attorney Ben Blumenthal argued that Hibble’s bail should remain at $350,000 given that each count is based on a date range rather than 12 separate incidents.
But Hibble’s attorney William Aron said his client should be released or his bail lowered to “a more reasonable amount” given that bail was based off of each count stacking on top of the other.
He said Hibble surrendered his passports and no longer works for the county, so he has no way to reoffend since he no longer has access to a county credit card.
He added that Hibble has strong ties to San Luis Obispo County with two children attending a local high school.
Blumenthal, however, argued that Hibble, who is from Australia, allegedly indicated in divorce proceedings that he intends to return to his native country.
After lowering Hibble’s bail, LaBarbera set a hearing for Feb. 28 to decide whether the defendant should be released or have his bail lowered further.
This story was originally published February 23, 2024 at 11:38 AM.
