For years, James Matthew Godsey was trusted to handle the finances at Channel Islands Aviation in Ventura County. But prosecutors say that trust came at a steep cost.

A jury found Godsey, 44, of Camarillo, guilty of six felony counts of grand theft, determining that he exploited his position as the company’s bookkeeper to steal more than $527,000 over several years. The jury also upheld special allegations that his crimes caused losses exceeding $100,000 and involved a breach of trust, according to Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.

From 2015 to 2023, Godsey managed payroll and accounts payable for the aviation company. Evidence presented at trial showed that between 2017 and 2023, he repeatedly inflated his own pay with unauthorized bonuses and extra wages. He also submitt

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