3 More Indicted in Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme at Wisconsin Catholic Charity

Federal indictment alleges the suspects stole funds through fraudulent checks and concealed the theft from authorities.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A federal grand jury has indicted Brandi Ellis, Jason Flanders, Ramon Hernandez, and Jezlia Barajas for their alleged roles in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme targeting Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The indictment accuses the suspects of issuing fraudulent checks, converting them to cash, and concealing the theft from law enforcement.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of nonprofit organizations to internal fraud and the need for robust financial controls and oversight. The alleged theft of funds from a Catholic charity also raises concerns about the misuse of charitable donations intended to help those in need.

The details

According to the indictment, the suspects participated in a broad effort to defraud Catholic Charities. Flanders allegedly issued fraudulent checks to himself, while Ellis is accused of issuing checks to Barajas and Hernandez under the false pretense that they had performed work for the charity. The group is also alleged to have lied to law enforcement and federal investigators about the payments.

  • The indictment was filed on February 3, 2026.
  • A previous lawsuit filed by the archdiocese against Ellis in May 2025 accused her of using credit card fraud and fake invoices to steal millions from the charity.

The players

Brandi Ellis

A former accountant for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee who was previously sued by the archdiocese for allegedly stealing millions through credit card fraud and fake invoices.

Jason Flanders

One of the three individuals indicted along with Ellis for their alleged roles in the fraud scheme.

Ramon Hernandez

One of the three individuals indicted along with Ellis for their alleged roles in the fraud scheme.

Jezlia Barajas

One of the three individuals indicted along with Ellis for their alleged roles in the fraud scheme.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee

The Catholic charity organization that was allegedly defrauded by the suspects.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow the suspects to be released on bail at an upcoming hearing.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust financial controls and oversight at nonprofit organizations to prevent internal fraud and protect charitable donations from misuse. It also highlights the need for charities to thoroughly vet their financial service providers and ensure they are properly identifying any fraudulent activity.