In a shocking turn of events, Robert Lonardo, 67, of Burrillville, the treasurer of the Rhode Island Association for Cardiac Children (RIACC), has admitted to stealing nearly $186,000 from the charity.
According to federal court documents, Lonardo, who founded the charity with his mother, began withdrawing funds from RIACC bank accounts in January 2013, following her death, and converted the money for his own personal use. The scheme continued until August 2015, with a total of $185,945.77 being embezzled.
The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly.
Lonardo is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on September 14, 2016. Wire fraud is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.
The Rhode Island Association for Cardiac Children, founded by Lonardo’s mother, raised funds to purchase hospital equipment, support children’s cardiac treatment and research, and help meet the needs of Rhode Island families whose children were undergoing surgery for cardiac disease.
As the treasurer of the charity, Lonardo had access to the charity’s bank accounts and was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the funds. Instead, he used the charity’s money for his own personal gain, leaving a trail of deceit and financial ruin in his wake.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in non-profit organizations, and the devastating consequences of greed and corruption.
Related Federal Cases
- Robert Lonardo, Wire Fraud, Rhode Island 2013 · New Hampshire
- Robert Lonardo, Wire Fraud, Rhode Island 2016 · Rhode Island
- Dquintz Alexander, Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Rhode Island 2023 · New Hampshire
- Charles F. Denno, Wire Fraud, Rhode Island 2017 · Rhode Island
- Alfred Appiah, Wire Fraud, Rhode Island 2024 · Rhode Island
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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