Catalina Corona pleaded guilty on Apr. 8 at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to wire fraud after admitting she stole almost $10 million from an elderly married couple for whom she worked as a personal assistant. The case was heard before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis, and Corona now faces up to 30 years in prison, along with possible restitution and fines.
The charges against Corona were announced by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's New York Field Office. This case highlights concerns about financial exploitation targeting vulnerable individuals such as seniors.
"Today’s guilty plea means the defendant has been held accountable for a calculated scheme that siphoned nearly $10 million from the very employers who trusted her," said Nocella. "Our Office will continue to pursue those who exploit positions of trust for personal gain and ensure they face the consequences for their deception and fraud." Barnacle said, "Catalina Corona stole nearly $10 million from an elderly couple who entrusted her with their care to fund her lavish shopping habits. The FBI is committed to holding accountable individuals who abuse positions of trust out of selfish greed."
According to court filings, between approximately 2017 and 2024 while working as a personal assistant, Corona deposited hundreds of checks made payable to herself from her employers' bank accounts without their knowledge or consent. She used these funds to pay credit card bills and purchase luxury goods including items from Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci and other high-end brands; many transactions occurred in Queens and Long Island.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York supports community outreach efforts aimed at assisting victims according to its official website. The office maintains locations in Brooklyn and Central Islip per its website and is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes as well as representing civil matters within its jurisdiction as stated on its website. Breon Peace currently serves as United States Attorney leading this office according to information provided online. The district covers areas including Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County as indicated on its website, operating as the designated federal prosecutor's office for these regions according to official sources.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Urquiola is overseeing prosecution in this matter through the General Crimes Section.
