Catalina Corona, a 62-year-old personal assistant from Corona, Queens, pleaded guilty to wire fraud after stealing nearly $10 million from her elderly employers, an elderly married couple from Long Island, New York.
The proceeding was held earlier today, April 25, 2024, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis.
When sentenced, Corona faces a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, as well as restitution and fines. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section, with Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Urquiola in charge of the prosecution.
“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,” stated United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. “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.”
“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,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr.
As set forth in court filings, between approximately 2017 and 2024, while working as a personal assistant to an elderly married couple (the Victims), Corona repeatedly deposited hundreds of checks written out to cash—made payable to herself—from the Victims’ bank accounts without their knowledge or consent. In total, Corona stole nearly $10 million, which she used to pay her credit card bills and to purchase luxury items from Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci and other high-end brands. Many of these transactions took place in Queens and on Long Island.
Corona, who faces a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, will be sentenced at a later date. The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section, with Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Urquiola in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
Catalina Corona
Age: 62
Corona, Queens
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-78 (NGG)
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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