BIRMINGHAM — Rikki Ross, 37, of Hoover, is facing federal charges for siphoning $198,597 from the YWCA Child Development Center over five years, funneling payments meant for low-income families’ child care into her personal bank account through a rigged Square system.
Federal prosecutors filed a one-count information in U.S. District Court charging Ross with federal program fraud. As director of the YWCA CDC from August 2010 until her 2017 resignation, she was entrusted with processing payments for a nonprofit that serves homeless and working poor families — a trust she exploited systematically.
Ross created a counterfeit Square account in April 2012, naming it “YWCA CDC,” and linked it to her personal Regions Bank account. Parents and guardians unknowingly paid her directly for childcare services, believing their funds were going to the nonprofit. The real YWCA account, “YWCA Child Development Center,” was bypassed entirely.
Between 2012 and 2017, Ross stole more than $190,000 in program fees — money intended to feed, educate, and shelter vulnerable children. According to her plea agreement, she has agreed to forfeit the full $198,597 in illegal proceeds and pay identical restitution to the defrauded YWCA.
“Stealing from any non-profit is unconscionable, but to steal program fees that were intended to provide a positive space for kids is truly indefensible,” said U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town. The Secret Service’s Financial Crimes Task Force, alongside Birmingham Police, spearheaded the investigation, with Special Agent in Charge Michael Williams calling the case a win for community accountability.
Ross now faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Beardsley Mark is prosecuting. The YWCA of Central Alabama, which provides domestic violence services, affordable housing, and social justice programs, was left to pick up the pieces after one of its most trusted leaders betrayed its mission.
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Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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