San Diego Woman Sentenced Over 5 Years for Embezzling Millions

Ping "Jenny" Gao took money from aviation investment firms and went on a spending spree, prosecutors say.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A San Diego woman named Ping "Jenny" Gao was sentenced to over 5 years in prison for embezzling more than $8.5 million from her employer, three aviation investment firms. Gao used the stolen funds to purchase a $2.9 million home in Point Loma and a $160,000 Porsche. She also paid over $100,000 to people in China to fabricate evidence and pose as the actual owner of the companies in an attempt to cover up her crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of white-collar crime and the significant financial and legal consequences that can result from embezzlement and fraud. It also raises questions about corporate oversight and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent such large-scale thefts from occurring.

The details

Gao pleaded guilty to embezzling the funds and laundering the money. She was later sued by her employer in San Diego Superior Court, but her defense case included repeated acts of perjury in which she claimed the actual owner of the companies was an imposter. Prosecutors say Gao violated a judge's order over 300 times by making financial transactions, including wiring $1.6 million to a bank account in Hong Kong.

  • Gao was sentenced on February 14, 2026.
  • Gao pleaded guilty to the crimes prior to her sentencing.

The players

Ping "Jenny" Gao

A San Diego woman who pleaded guilty to embezzling over $8.5 million from her employer, three aviation investment firms, and then using the stolen funds to purchase a $2.9 million home and a $160,000 Porsche.

David Silldorf

Gao's attorney, who alleged in his sentencing papers that Gao's conduct arose out of the employer stealing her identity and the identities of others as part of a fraud scheme.

Patrick Swan

The Assistant U.S. Attorney who rejected Silldorf's claim and said that if the employer was engaged in fraudulent acts, they would not have opened themselves up to scrutiny by suing Gao and contacting the FBI.

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What they’re saying

“Gao 'understands what she did was wrong,' but the attorney said the conduct arose out of the employer stealing her identity, as well as the identities of Gao's mother and several other women, as part of a fraud scheme.”

— David Silldorf, Gao's attorney (timesofsandiego.com)

“If the employer was engaged in fraudulent acts, they would not have opened themselves up to scrutiny by suing Gao and contacting the FBI.”

— Patrick Swan, Assistant U.S. Attorney (timesofsandiego.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Ping "Jenny" Gao to be released on bail pending her appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences of white-collar crime, as well as the importance of strong corporate governance and oversight to prevent such large-scale thefts from occurring. It also raises questions about the role of attorneys in advising clients during legal proceedings.