Personal Assistant admits $10M fraud against LI elderly employers

Catalina Corona used stolen funds to purchase luxury goods

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, torn financial document reflecting harsh, direct lighting, conceptually illustrating the financial exploitation of elderly individuals.A recent wave of financial fraud targeting the elderly exposes the vulnerability of those who trust their personal assistants with significant responsibilities.Queens Today

A personal assistant in Queens, New York has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after stealing nearly $10 million from her elderly Long Island employers over a seven-year period. Catalina Corona used the stolen funds to pay credit card bills and purchase items from high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Gucci, many of which were bought on Long Island and in Queens.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals and the need for stronger safeguards against financial exploitation by those in positions of trust. It also raises concerns about the prevalence of white-collar crime targeting the aging population on Long Island.

The details

Between 2017 and 2024, while working as a personal assistant to an elderly married couple, Catalina Corona repeatedly deposited hundreds of checks written out to cash from the victims' bank accounts without their knowledge or consent. The 'guilty plea means the defendant has been held accountable for a calculated scheme that siphoned nearly $10 million from the very employers who trusted her,' said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr.

  • Between approximately 2017 and 2024, Corona committed the fraud.

The players

Catalina Corona

A personal assistant from Queens, New York who pleaded guilty to wire fraud after stealing nearly $10 million from her elderly Long Island employers.

Joseph Nocella, Jr.

The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York who stated that the guilty plea holds the defendant accountable for her 'calculated scheme' that exploited the trust of her elderly employers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The 'guilty plea means the defendant has been held accountable for a calculated scheme that siphoned nearly $10 million from the very employers who trusted her.”

— Joseph Nocella, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York

What’s next

When sentenced, Corona faces a maximum of 30 years' imprisonment, as well as restitution and fines.

The takeaway

This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals and the need for stronger safeguards against financial exploitation by those in positions of trust. It also raises concerns about the prevalence of white-collar crime targeting the aging population on Long Island.