Three former Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee employees have been indicted on charges that they defrauded the nonprofit of at least $2 million.
A 29-page indictment, filed Feb. 3 in U.S. District Court in Milwaukee, accuses Brandi Ellis, Jason Flanders, and Jezlia Barajas of 15 charges, including wire fraud, identity theft, making false statements and money laundering.
Prosecutors also indicted a fourth person, Ramon Hernandez. They say in the indictment that while he had no affiliation with Catholic Charities, he also played a role in the operation.
Ellis worked as finance manager for Catholic Charities until she was terminated in 2024. Flanders was the chief finance officer, but left the organization in 2019.
Barajas was employed by Catholic Charities as an accounting specialist in 2018, when some of the alleged crimes occurred.
Prosecutors say the financial scheme unfolded over several years from July 2016 through May 2024.
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