An elected member of a Ventura County water board has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of stealing water for his Oxnard farm.
Daniel Naumann, 66, admitted to one count of grand theft of water, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said in a Friday news release.
As part of his plea agreement, five other felony charges will be dropped, the Ventura County Star reports.
Naumann, a Camarillo resident who is owner and operator of Naumann Family Farms, was an elected board member of the United Water Conservation District and an alternate board member of the Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency.
“United and Fox Canyon manage and preserve groundwater resources for agricultural uses in Ventura County,” the VCDA’s Office said. “Both entities establish water allocations and charge agricultural user fees to pump groundwater. “
Despite those roles, Naumann took nearly $30,000 in water between 2019 and 2021 using “diversion bypasses [that] were installed on two commercial water pumps that irrigated Naumann’s crops,” the release stated.
“The bypasses diverted pumped water to irrigation lines before the water reached flow meters that measured water use for billing purposes,” the release explained, adding that the victim in this case was Fox Canyon, for whom Naumann was an alternate.
“Stealing water is a serious crime,” said Nasarenko in the release. “This felony conviction holds the defendant accountable for his conduct and sends a clear message that evading fees and illegally diverting water will result in criminal consequences.”
Naumann has been released on his own recognizance pending sentencing, which is scheduled for May 24.
He is expected to be sentenced to 30 days in Ventura County Jail, as well as forced to repay the full amount stolen and serve two years probation.
In announcing his resignation from the United board after more than 30 years, Naumann did not mention the criminal case, the Star reported.
“Being with United has been an amazing journey and rewarding experience protecting and enhancing the water resources for Ventura County, along with the friendships made over the years are priceless,” Nauman’s letter reads.
