A California woman was arrested Thursday and accused of stealing from student athletes.
Julie Hanway Molina, 56, served as treasurer for the Aliso Niguel High School football booster club. Federal prosecutors say she used that access to take $411,761 from the nonprofit. She has been charged but not convicted.
**What she is accused of doing**
Prosecutors say Molina wired money from the club's bank account to cover her own bills. In June 2023, she allegedly sent about $131,523 to pay overdue mortgage payments on her home. She is also accused of using club money to pay personal credit card bills.
To hide the scheme, prosecutors say she filed false treasurer reports. Those reports did not show the missing money.
Imagine a jar of cash collected at every Friday night game. Parents and community members filled that jar for the kids. Prosecutors say Molina quietly emptied it for herself, $411,761 over time.
**What the government says**
Molina was arrested at her home, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. She now faces four counts of wire fraud. If convicted on all counts, she could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Federal prosecutor Bill Essayli said, "We're going after all fraud, big or small. This treasurer managed community funds for student athletes and breached that trust."
**Why this matters**
Booster clubs run on volunteer trust. Parents donate money expecting it to go to helmets, travel, and equipment for kids. This case is a reminder that even small nonprofits can be targets when there is weak financial oversight.
If you run or donate to a booster club, ask to see regular financial reports. Make sure more than one person signs off on large transfers. The Department of Justice says wire fraud charges can follow anyone who moves stolen money across state lines, even for a mortgage payment.
Molina is presumed innocent unless convicted in court.