Yucaipa, California — A 40-year-old San Bernardino County man has been arrested after investigators accused him of embezzling more than $300,000 from his employer over a seven-year period, allegedly using some of the money to purchase high-value sports memorabilia.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department identified the man as Matthew Stryffeler of Yucaipa. Authorities said the alleged financial crimes occurred while Stryffeler worked at Forest Home Camp, a Christian-based camp and conference center.
Investigators began looking into the allegations in December 2025, eventually uncovering what they described as a fictitious business connected to the suspected scheme.
Investigation Began in December 2025
According to the Sheriff’s Department, detectives began investigating after receiving allegations that Stryffeler had taken a significant amount of money from the organization.
Over the following months, investigators conducted interviews and obtained search warrants for financial records as they worked to determine how the money had allegedly been taken.
Investigators said their review eventually revealed that Stryffeler had allegedly created a fictitious business to purchase and sell high-value sports memorabilia.
Authorities allege that the memorabilia was purchased using money taken from the organization.
After examining the financial records and other evidence, detectives said they determined that the alleged theft had occurred over approximately seven years.
Investigators Say Employee Had Access to Financial Accounts
Stryffeler held several different positions at Forest Home Camp during the period covered by the investigation.
According to investigators, those positions gave him authorized access to the organization’s financial accounts, which authorities say provided an opportunity for the alleged embezzlement to take place.
Detectives ultimately estimated that more than $300,000 had allegedly been stolen.
The investigation involved reviewing financial records and conducting interviews as authorities attempted to trace the transactions and determine where the money went.
Investigators said the alleged sports memorabilia purchases were part of the financial activity uncovered during the investigation.
Arrest Made at Yucaipa Home
After months of investigation, authorities took Stryffeler into custody at his Yucaipa residence on Sept. 22, 2026.
The arrest followed the financial investigation that began late last year and expanded as detectives reviewed records associated with the organization and the alleged business.
The Sheriff’s Department has not indicated that all potential victims or witnesses have been identified. Authorities said they believe additional unidentified victims and/or witnesses could be connected to the case.
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The investigation therefore remains active as detectives continue working to determine whether other people or organizations may have information relevant to the allegations.
Authorities Ask Public for Information
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone who may have information related to the case to contact investigators.
Officials said people with information can contact the Yucaipa Sheriff’s Station at 909-918-2300.
Anonymous information can also be submitted through We-Tip by calling 844-909-3006, texting “REPORT” to 844-909-3006, or submitting a tip through its online service.
The Sheriff’s Department’s request for additional information suggests investigators are still working to establish the full scope of the alleged financial activity.
Stryffeler’s arrest represents the latest development in an investigation that began with allegations of missing funds and ultimately led detectives to examine financial records covering several years.
For now, the allegations remain accusations, and the criminal case will proceed through the legal system.
What do you think about the allegations in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know what you think about the investigation.
