Eric Rego’s case concerns alleged misuse of money intended for Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s after-school programming. The Justice Department announced three mail-fraud charges on February 4, 2025. Its charging announcement and the district’s statement establish the allegations and initial response; they are not a later judgment or sentencing order. [1][2]
Which CARES program was involved?
The district describes C.A.R.E.S. as its Collaborative for Academics, Recreation, and Enrichment for Students expanded-learning program. Its activities include academic support, arts, recreation, and enrichment. That local program name should not be confused with a finding that the charged conduct involved federal coronavirus CARES Act relief. [3]
What prosecutors alleged
According to DOJ’s announcement, Rego served as the district’s after-school program coordinator and worked with a contracted nonprofit. Prosecutors alleged that, from approximately July 2020 through May 2024, electronic devices were purchased through the nonprofit on the representation that students needed them, while Rego instead kept and resold them. [1]
The alleged invoice mechanism placed device costs within a supplies-and-subcontracts expense category. DOJ said Rego reviewed and approved the invoices sent to the district and alleged device costs of at least approximately $3.3 million. Those are allegations reported in the charging release, not an independent judicial finding of the final restitution amount. [1]
What the district said it did
The district’s February 2025 statement said it uncovered potential misconduct, reported it to Concord police, and hired an independent forensic accountant. It described preliminary findings concerning devices purchased but not delivered to district sites or used for student programs, cooperation with investigators, and an intention to seek recovery. [2]
How to verify a reported outcome
A charging release cannot verify a later prison term, plea, restitution order, or surrender date. Those details should be checked against the matching federal docket and judgment, including any amended judgment. Do not turn the maximum punishment mentioned at indictment into the sentence actually imposed.
For the legal framework, see the elements of federal mail fraud. For source documents, see obtaining federal criminal case records. Match the defendant, court, and case number carefully so that an unrelated person’s record is not attributed to this case.
Primary sources
- DOJ: Eric Rego Mail-Fraud Indictment Announcement
- Mt. Diablo Unified: Statement Regarding the Arrest
- Mt. Diablo Unified: CARES Expanded Learning Program
Sources checked: October 31, 2026.