HIALEAH, Fla. – Police arrested two former Hialeah Housing Authority (HHA) employees after they allegedly stole money intended for day care services.
An investigation revealed that between April of 2012 and June of 2013, Yanet Maria Ortiz, director of the William Lehman Day Care Center at 7605 W. 10th Avenue, and Sherry Ann Casteel Correa, assistant director, stole a combined total of approximately $78,200 in cash.
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According to officials, the duo took money from cash payments made for day care services, deliberately entering into record the incorrect amount, concealing missing funds.
Due to their time at the company and their positions, Ortiz and Correa were able to get by with the scam temporarily undetected, according to investigators.
After HHA administration noticed discrepancies, police were notified and an investigation was immediately initiated.
Both Ortiz and Correa resigned on Aug. 30 and are charged with second degree grand theft.
City of Hialeah officials say they will make all efforts possible to recover any and all missing monies as part of restitution from the offenders.
HHA Director Julio Ponce has completely overhauled and enhanced the payment receipt system to avoid any future recurrences.