The chief executive officer of a Los Angeles-based homeless services organization has been indicted on charges of diverting taxpayer money to fund a lavish personal lifestyle, according to authorities.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
Prosecutors allege that Va Lecia Adams Kellum, CEO of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), misappropriated public funds intended for homelessness programs. The indictment claims that the funds were used to cover personal expenditures, including luxury travel, high-end shopping, and expensive dining.
Details of the Charges
According to the indictment, Adams Kellum is accused of submitting fraudulent reimbursement requests and using agency credit cards for unauthorized purchases. The charges state that these actions resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars being spent on non-business-related expenses over several years.
Official Response and Legal Proceedings
Authorities have stated that the alleged misuse of funds undermines public trust in organizations tasked with addressing homelessness in Los Angeles. Adams Kellum has not entered a plea, and her legal representatives have not issued a public statement regarding the charges. The case is scheduled to proceed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Background on LAHSA
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority is a joint city-county agency responsible for coordinating homeless services and distributing funding for housing and support programs throughout the region. LAHSA manages significant public resources aimed at reducing homelessness in Los Angeles County.
Further Information
For more details, visit the original report at this link.