Former San Mateo Community College Chancellor Convicted of Tax Fraud

Ron Galatolo resigned in 2019 after two decades leading the district.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Ron Galatolo, the former chancellor of the San Mateo County Community College District, was found guilty of perjury and tax fraud after a 40-day trial. Galatolo was accused of a range of corruption charges, including misusing public funds, failing to report gifts, and fraudulently claiming a charitable donation on his taxes.

Why it matters

The conviction of the long-serving chancellor highlights concerns about financial mismanagement and lack of oversight at the community college district, which serves over 30,000 students across three campuses. The case also raises questions about accountability for public officials and the importance of transparency in managing taxpayer funds.

The details

Prosecutors alleged that Galatolo helped ensure construction contracts were awarded to vendors who had given him tickets and funded his travel, which he failed to report on financial disclosure forms. He was also accused of underreporting the purchase price of high-end cars and fraudulently claiming a $10,000 charitable donation on his taxes that was actually made by the college's fundraising arm.

  • Galatolo resigned without explanation in 2019 after two decades as chancellor.
  • In 2021, Galatolo's former colleague Jose Nuñez was convicted of misusing college district funds.
  • Galatolo was arrested at San Francisco International Airport in 2022 when charges were filed against him.
  • After a 40-day trial, Galatolo was found guilty of perjury and tax fraud in late 2026.

The players

Ron Galatolo

The former chancellor of the San Mateo County Community College District, who was convicted of perjury and tax fraud after a 40-day trial.

Jose Nuñez

Galatolo's former colleague who was accused and convicted of misusing college district funds in 2021.

San Mateo County Community College District

The three-campus community college district that serves about 30,000 students and has an annual budget of almost $528 million.

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What they’re saying

“Galatolo has maintained his innocence, claiming he made mistakes in filling out financial disclosure forms.”

— Ron Galatolo (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Prosecutors have until March 6 to decide whether to pursue a retrial on the charges where the jury could not reach a verdict.

The takeaway

The conviction of the long-serving chancellor underscores the importance of financial accountability and transparency in the management of public institutions like community colleges, which are entrusted with significant taxpayer funds.