The chief executive of a Southern California homeless aid organization is expected to be arraigned Tuesday on federal charges alleging he unlawfully obtained more than $1.2 million in grant money from a county-funded nonprofit.
Donye “Danya” Mitchell, 56, of the Inland Empire, faces charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering in an indictment filed in Los Angeles federal court.
According to the complaint, Mitchell is the chief executive of The Big Blue Umbrella, a nonprofit that purportedly operated out of offices located in Lakewood and Murrieta.
In January 2024, Mitchell allegedly applied for over $9 million in grant money — and several months later was awarded more than $1.2 million — from a separate nonprofit funded by the county called Epidaurus, which does business as Amity Foundation, to provide housing and mental health services to vulnerable people.
To get the money, prosecutors allege, Mitchell lied about the services BBU was providing to homeless clients and other vulnerable groups by claiming that BBU was providing “emergency services for housing,” emergency food banks, job placements, transportation to and from medical appointments, life-skills counseling, and high school and college programs.
Instead, the defendant allegedly misused the grant funding by, among other means, using it for personal and other prohibited expenses, including paying a bail bondsman for his bond following an October 2024 arrest for domestic violence and assault, paying amounts due on his personal credit card, making transfers to family members and friends, paying rent for his home, and paying PlayStation charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Mitchell’s attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.
“Stealing from programs meant to feed, shelter, and support people experiencing homelessness isn’t just a financial crime — it’s an attack on the most vulnerable communities provided for by HUD programs,” Brian Harrison, acting inspector general of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, said in a statement when the charges were announced. “HUD-OIG is steadfast in pursuing those who exploit federal housing programs, and this case underscores the strength of our partnerships with law enforcement and prosecutors. Together, we protect taxpayer dollars and deliver justice for victims.”