A Chico man, previously convicted of embezzlement from Chico State, is now facing new charges of embezzlement from a local optometry business. Daniel Hicks, 47, appeared in Butte County Superior Court on Friday where he was arraigned on a grand theft by embezzlement charge. According to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey, Hicks is accused of embezzling $39,941 while he worked as an accounting and benefits coordinator at a local Chico optometry business from January 2019 through July 2025. Hick will appear in court again on December 31 for further arraignment.