Catalina Corona pleaded guilty on Apr. 8 at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to wire fraud, admitting she stole almost $10 million from an elderly married couple who employed her as a personal assistant. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis, and Corona now faces up to 30 years in prison, along with potential restitution and fines.
The case highlights the risks faced by vulnerable individuals when trust is violated by those in positions of responsibility. According to court filings, between approximately 2017 and 2024, Corona deposited hundreds of checks made out to cash from her employers’ bank accounts without their knowledge or consent. She used the stolen funds for personal expenses including credit card payments and purchases at luxury retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Gucci.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., said: “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. 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.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle stated: “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.”
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York supports community outreach and victim assistance efforts, according to the official website. The office maintains locations in Brooklyn and Central Islip per its official website, handling federal crime prosecutions and civil matters representation for its district according to its official website. Breon Peace leads this office as United States Attorney as noted on its official site. The jurisdiction covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County as indicated online, operating as the designated federal prosecutor’s office for these areas according to its official website.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Urquiola is leading the prosecution in this case through the General Crimes Section.
