Mark Kana Teruya, a 54-year-old manager of a Carson City hot tub store, was arrested on Oct. 29, 2026, following allegations that he embezzled $116,000 from the business.
Teruya was taken into custody near Topsy Lane in Douglas County on a warrant issued by the Carson City Justice Court.
The arrest follows an investigation into three felony embezzlement charges. According to a criminal complaint filed by Deputy District Attorney Sam Bruketta, Teruya allegedly diverted payments from three customers into his personal account rather than depositing them into the business account. The diverted funds included one payment of $80,000 and two separate payments of $18,000, which were intended for the purchase of two hot tubs and two hot tub covers.
Timeline of Alleged Transactions
Court documents outline a series of transactions spanning several years. The alleged $80,000 transaction occurred in April 2024. The two $18,000 transactions were reportedly made between October 19, 2021, and April 24, 2022.
The investigation into the matter had been ongoing for more than a year. Suspicion arose in 2025 when the owner of the spa store requested business banking login credentials, which Teruya, an employee of approximately 10 years, failed to provide. Law enforcement had also investigated a burglary involving a hot tub at a warehouse on May 13, 2025.
Law Enforcement Coordination
Douglas County Undersheriff Ron Elges stated that a “global resolution” was reached with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office regarding the investigation. “The same victim had thefts in their jurisdiction as well and we wrote reports on their system,” Elges said.
While the investigation focused on the Carson City business, Elges noted there appeared to be no wrongdoing at another store location situated at Lake Tahoe. A sheriff’s office clerk indicated that Teruya, who resides in the 3500 block of Opalite Court in Douglas County, could be extradited to Douglas County to face charges there.
Current Legal Status
Teruya was initially booked into the Carson City Jail on a $25,000 bail hold. However, as of November 5, he did not appear on the facility’s incarceration list. It remains unclear if any additional charges will be brought against the suspect.
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