Chico man arrested, accused of embezzling local American Legion, Disabled American Veterans

CHICO — A Chico man suspected of embezzling money from local veterans groups was arrested Thursday by the Chico Police Department.

Michael David Zylstra, 60, of Chico, was arrested March 14 on a warrant carried out by Chico police on suspicion of two counts of embezzlement and four counts of forgery, according to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey.

According to Ramsey, Zylstra is accused of taking more than $60,000 from the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

Ramsey said the District Attorney’s Office authorized Chico police to seek a warrant from a Butte County judge who issued the warrant for $90,000.

Zylstra paid bail on the day of his arrest and was released, Ramsey said. Zylstra is scheduled to appear for a hearing at the Butte County Courthouse on May 10.

Ramsey said his office is expecting to release more information after processing police reports and individual statements.