Ex-Chief of Calif. Nonprofit Admits to $700,000 Embezzlement

The former executive director of a Carson, Calif., charity that aided domestic-violence victims under a local government contract pleaded guilty Wednesday in connection with the theft of more than $700,000 in taxpayer funds, reports City News Service, a news agency covering Southern California.

Wilma Wilson, 62, admitted to grand theft, embezzlement, and other charges in Los Angeles Superior Court. Prosecutors said Ms. Wilson she directed employees at the Peace and Joy Care Center to gather personal information on Los Angeles County welfare recipients, which was used to bill the county for services for people who were not clients.

The thefts occurred from 2003 to 2008 and also included overbilling for services the charity did provide, authorities said. Ms. Wilson was ordered to pay $2.6-million in restitution and faces up to four years in prison when she is sentenced in July. Two other people who worked at the center also pleaded guilty in connection with the theft scheme, as has Ms. Wilson’s husband.