July 30, 2025
VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS OVERNIGHT MAIL
Raul Villarreal
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Re: Notice of Prohibition
Dear Mr. Villarreal:
The National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”) is aware that on November 13, 2024, you entered a conditional plea of guilty in Merced County Superior Court, California on the following offense: one count of Attempted Grand Theft by Embezzlement, under California Penal Code §§ 664/487(b)(3). People of the State of California v. Raul Villarreal, 24CR-04762. Your conviction for this offense was in connection with your employment at MERCO Credit Union, Merced, California.
This letter is to notify you that because of your conviction you are subject to the prohibitions set forth in 12 U.S.C. §§ 1785(d) and 1829. As such, without the prior written consent of the NCUA or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, these sections prohibit you by operation of law from becoming an “institution-affiliated party” of any insured depository institution (as defined in 12 U.S.C. §§ 1786(r) or 1813(u)), or otherwise participating, directly or indirectly, in the conduct of the affairs of any insured depository institution, and owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, any insured depository institution.
Sections 1785(d) and 1829 impose criminal penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each day of violation. Should a knowing violation of these sections occur, both you and the institution would be subject to the penalties provided by the statute. These statutes do not prohibit you from being a member of a credit union, or customer of a bank or savings association.
Sections 1785(d) and 1829 provide exceptions and exemptions for certain offenses, however, the offense referenced above does not currently meet the exception or exemption criteria. If you believe that your conviction is not covered by sections 1785(d) or 1829, please contact the Office of General Counsel at ogcmail@ncua.gov or 703.518.6540 immediately.
Be advised that a copy of this letter will be available on the NCUA’s public website and will remain on the website until the criminal offense above is no longer covered by the statutes.
Sincerely,
/s/
Frank Kressman
General Counsel