Ex-CASA director guilty

COEUR D’ALENE – The former executive director of an agency that helps neglected children through the court system has been found guilty of 18 counts of wire fraud and lying to an FBI agent.

Prosecutors said Rhonda Richardson stole thousands of dollars from Court Appointed Special Advocates and used the money to buy airline tickets, gifts for her grandchildren, and clothes for herself.

Richardson shook her head Thursday and wiped away tears before leaving U.S. District Court without responding to questions from reporters.

U.S. District Judge Lynn Winmill set sentencing for March 4, allowing Richardson, formerly known as Rhonda Naylor, to remain free until then. She is currently living in the Portland area.

She faces up to 25 years in prison, plus a fine of up to $250,000 for each violation.

Court Appointed Special Advocates is a nonprofit group that helps neglected children in Idaho’s 1st Judicial District. Jim Elder, the board chairman, said the group lost $60,000 when Richardson was executive director from June 2003 until June 2004.

“The whole CASA program was virtually destroyed, devastated by her misappropriation and mismanagement of funds four years ago,” Elder said. “All of us associated with CASA are pleased to have this dark moment in our history behind us.”

He said the organization has recovered.

“We never missed one court appointment for a child,” he said. “Today, the program is doing wonderful. We’re financially sound and we’re moving forward.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney George Breitsameter and federal public defender Kailey Moran declined to comment.