Former Coach Faces Embezzlement Charge

Recently fired San Bernardino High boys' basketball coach Jesse Spinner faces one count of felony embezzlement for allegedly misappropriating money that was supposed to go to the San Bernardino City Unified School District, an official with the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office said Monday.

The alleged misappropriation of at least $400 allegedly occurred between Dec. 17-22, said John Kochis, chief deputy district attorney. If convicted, Spinner, 35, faces up to three years in state prison.

Spinner will be arraigned Feb. 28 in San Bernardino Central Court. His attorney, Dan Greenberg, said the charge is the result of a misunderstanding and is confident Spinner will be vindicated. Officials at the school and the school district declined to comment.

Spinner, a former Crenshaw High player, had a 5-6 record in his first month at San Bernardino before being fired in January.