Ceci Velasquez

American politician

Ceci Velasquez

Member of the Arizona House of Representatives
from the 29th district
In office
January 9, 2015 – January 9, 2017

Serving with Richard C. Andrade

Preceded by| Lydia Hernandez
Succeeded by| Cesar Chavez
Personal details
Born| Phoenix, Arizona, U.S
Political party| Democratic
Residence| Litchfield Park, Arizona
Education| Phoenix College (AS)
Arizona State University (BA)

Ceci Velasquez is an American politician and paralegal who served as a Democratic member of the Arizona House of Representatives from 2015 to 2017. She was convicted of fraud in 2016.

## Early life and education

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Velasquez born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and is a second-generation Mexican-American. Velasquez earned an Associate of Science from Phoenix College and a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Arizona State University. She worked in social services for 12 years and founded the Arizona Guidance Organization, a nonprofit that provides support to families in the justice system.[1]

## Arizona House of Representatives

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### Tenure

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Velasquez was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2014 alongside Cesar Chavez. She served on the Federalism and States' Rights and Rules committees.[1]

### Legal troubles and indictment

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Upon election, it was discovered there was an outstanding warrant for her arrest due to failing to pay court fees from traffic violations in 2010.[2]

Velasquez was indicted by an Arizona grand jury on May 23, 2016 with three felony counts: fraudulent schemes and practices; unlawful use of food stamps; and theft.[3] Velasquez pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of food stamps, a Class 1 misdemeanor. She paid restitution for the amount and was sentenced to 12 months of supervised probation and 100 hours of community service.[4][5]

## References

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1. ^ a b "Ceci Velasquez". Arizona State Legislature. Archived from the original on March 31, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
2. ^ "Arrest warrant out for legislator-elect". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved Feb 12, 2021.
3. ^ Graziosi, Graig. "Arizona lawmaker Ceci Velasquez pleads not guilty to allegations of food-stamp fraud". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved Feb 12, 2021.
4. ^ Alder, Madison. "Arizona lawmaker Ceci Velasquez pleads guilty in food-stamp case". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved Feb 12, 2021.
5. ^ Mary Jo Pitzl, The Republic (December 1, 2016). "Arizona lawmaker Ceci Velasquez receives probation in food-stamp fraud". azcentral.com.

## External links

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* Legislative website (WayBack Machine)
* Ceci Velasquez at Ballotpedia