California Nonprofit Employee Convicted in $500,000 Theft

A Ventura, Calif., woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to stealing more than $500,000 from the substance-abuse charity where she served as office manager, reports the Ventura County Star. Ronda Ann Garcia, 43, admitted to grand theft, forgery, and tax charges and faces up to seven years in prison when sentenced in January.

Prosecutors said Ms. Garcia, who joined Khepera House in 1999, stole cash co-payments from clients referred to the charity by parole and probation agencies, covering up the thefts by entering false information in the organization’s books. She also used the charity’s account with an office-supply store to buy herself computers, printers, cameras, and other equipment.