Cerritos Woman Arrested for Fraud Involvement in Nonprofit Women's Shelter

Lisa Corona , a 43-year-old Cerritos resident and longtime employee of the Peace and Joy Care Center in Carson, was arrested Thursday on allegations that she helped generate fraudulent bills exceeding more than $700,000 for the non-profit women's shelter.

Wilma Wilson, the founder of the center, which services victims of domestic violence, was also arrested by investigators from the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation on Thursday along with employee Melanie McAllister, 49, of San Pedro.

Wilson, 61, is charged with two counts of grand theft and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime. Corona and McAllister have been charged with one count each of grand theft and conspiracy to commit a crime, according to Nipa Cook, deputy in charge of the District Attorney's Internal Welfare Fraud Unit.

If convicted as charged, Wilson faces up to eight years and eight months in state prison, while Corona and McAllister could each face a maximum of five years in prison.

Wilson's bail was set at $700,000, while Corona was held on $180,000 bail and McAllister on $500,000, according to the Daily Breeze.

Wilson is accused of directing Corona and McAllister and several other employees to gather the names and personal identifying information of public benefit recipients at Department of Public Social Services offices.

Wilson allegedly used the information to bill the county for various services, including counseling sessions, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Under Wilson's orders, Corona, McAllister and other employees allegedly created fraudulent files with forged signatures and bogus case notes to back up the bills to the county and to deceive county auditors, Cook said.

Wilson also is accused of extensively over-billing the county for clients who received limited services from the center, according to the prosecutor.

A joint investigation conducted by the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation and the county's Office of the Auditor-Controller -- with assistance from the Department of Public Social Services -- determined that the alleged fraudulent billing and over-billing practices were in effect from 2003 to 2008.

According to the center's website, the Peace & Joy Care Center was established in May of 1994, to assist women & their children with domestic violence issues, with or without mental disabilities, HIV/AIDS or substance abuse.

The facilities' purpose is to offer shelter to victims and help them transition into a better life. The agency focuses on supportive services, counseling, education and necessary training for clients to rebuild and restore their lives.

- City News Service and MarieSam Sanchez contributed to this report.