Chula Vista Manager Pleads Guilty to $350,000 Embezzlement Scheme

Chula Vista’s Ana Phimmasone has admitted to orchestrating a $350,000 embezzlement scheme targeting both her employer and vulnerable elderly clients. The 37-year-old former office manager pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of wire fraud.

Phimmasone, who was granted access to client accounts due to her trusted position, stole checks and credit card information over a two-year period from April 2016 to April 2018. She then funneled the proceeds into her personal bank accounts, using fraudulent means to conceal the illegal transfers.

In addition to stealing from her employer, Phimmasone also billed clients’ credit cards under false pretenses, claiming that the healthcare provider had changed its payment processing company to PayPal. She created a fake PayPal account in the name of an 87-year-old individual to further mislead victims.

Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman emphasized the impact on vulnerable members of the community, stating, ‘This defendant exploited the trust that patients place in their care providers.’ The prosecution team and the United States Postal Inspection Service were commended for their work in bringing Phimmasone to justice.

Phimmasone has agreed to pay $352,586.22 in restitution to her former employer and individual victims. Sentencing is scheduled for March 7, 2022.

Defendant: Ana Phimmasone
Age: 37
City: Chula Vista, CA
Case Number: 21cr3262-H

RELATED: Ana Phimmasone Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $350,000