Laurie Moore, 47, of Oak Park, Michigan and the founder and former executive director of the non-profit domestic violence organization Looking for My Sister, pleaded guilty today to federal program fraud in connection with her misappropriation of funds supplied to the organization through federal grants. United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge John F.
Oleskowicz, from the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General.

Between 2007 and 2011, Looking for My Sister received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the federal government, including money from the STOP Violence against Women Formula Grant, the Comprehensive Domestic Violence Grant, and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Grant. The organization used significant amounts of these funds for their intended purposes. Moore, however, used a portion of the funds to purchase goods and services for her personal use and the use of her family.

“"We take it very seriously when someone steals federal funds that were intended to address an important issue like domestic violence," McQuade said. "We hope this prosecution will deter others from stealing federal funds."

Special Agent in Charge Oleskowicz said, “We are committed to protecting Department of Justice programs, and we will vigorously pursue those who fraudulently benefit from federal funds that were intended to help others.”

Moore faces up to ten years' imprisonment for the offense. Judge Denise Page Hood scheduled Moore's sentencing for April 20, 2012. As part of her plea, Moore has agreed to pay restitution to the Department of Justice in the amount of $64,514.35. In addition, she has agreed to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $18,618.50 for social security benefits she received to which she was not entitled.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Louis P. Gabel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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