Personal Assistant Pleads Guilty to $10M Theft from Wealthy Couple

Catalina Corona admitted to stealing from her elderly employers to fund lavish purchases.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:25am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shredded credit card reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the financial damage from a personal assistant's theft.A shredded credit card symbolizes the financial devastation caused by a trusted personal assistant's theft.Lawrence Today

A personal assistant to a wealthy elderly married couple from Lawrence, Kansas has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $10 million from her employers. Catalina Corona used the stolen funds to purchase high-end fashion accessories, airline tickets, and to pay off her own credit card bills.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of the elderly and wealthy to trusted insiders who abuse their positions of power. It also raises concerns about the need for stronger financial oversight and safeguards to protect against large-scale theft by personal assistants and other household staff.

The details

According to the plea agreement, over several years Corona systematically siphoned millions from the couple's bank accounts to fund her own lavish lifestyle. She used the stolen money to buy designer handbags, jewelry, and other luxury items, as well as to pay for personal travel and credit card bills.

  • On Wednesday, April 9, 2026, Catalina Corona pleaded guilty to the theft charges.

The players

Catalina Corona

A personal assistant who pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $10 million from her elderly employers.

Lawrence, Kansas

The hometown of the wealthy elderly couple who were the victims of the theft.

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What’s next

Corona is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2026, where she faces up to 20 years in prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater financial oversight and protection for the elderly and wealthy, especially when it comes to trusted household staff with access to sensitive financial information and accounts.