A husband and wife who contracted with Los Angeles County to operate four foster homes providing care to 28 children pleaded guilty Monday to misappropriation of public funds and embezzlement.
CSJ Kidogo, the former executive director of Little People’s World, pleaded to one felony count of misappropriation of public money. His wife, Hitaji Kidogo, LPW’s former assistant executive director, pleaded to one misdemeanor count of embezzlement.
The pair were originally charged with 11 counts each of misappropriation of public funds and embezzlement by an officer.
LPW group homes were closed as a result of the arrests.
“Money intended to care for children in foster homes instead lined the pockets of the executives who ran the programs,” District Attorney Jackie Lacey said when the pair were arrested at their Banning home Sept. 18, 2014.
The county’s auditor-controller discovered that CSJ Kidogo borrowed money earmarked for foster care to buy real estate and pay mortgages on properties not used in the foster care program.
CSJ Kidogo is expected to be sentenced to six months in jail and five years probation when the couple returns to court Jan. 15.
His wife is expected to be placed on five years probation.
Deputy District Attorney Susan Choi said the couple had already paid large amounts of restitution and must pay an additional $109,093 to the county when they return for sentencing.
— City News Service