The father of Julie Hanway Molina, a 56-year-old Orange County woman accused of embezzling more than $400,000 from a high school football team, revealed he had no knowledge of the allegations or her arrest. Molina was arrested on September 10 at her Aliso Viejo home and charged with four felony counts, facing a potential sentence of up to 20 years. The victim nonprofit has not been officially named, but court documents suggest it is the Wolverines Football Club at Aliso Niguel High School.
Her father, William Hanway, 90, told the California Post that his daughter had not disclosed any financial difficulties or her legal troubles. "She hasn’t told me anything that’s going on," he said. "She probably didn’t want to." Hanway added that Molina had not asked him for money, and he believed she wished to handle her affairs independently. He noted that while he could have provided financial assistance if needed, his daughter never approached him.
Molina, who pleaded not guilty, was released on a $10,000 bond. Her trial is scheduled for November 2. Federal prosecutors have stated they will seek a significant prison sentence, with Los Angeles’ top federal prosecutor Bill Essayli calling her alleged actions a serious breach of trust. "This defendant was entrusted by the community with safeguarding money raised for young adults. She violated that trust and is now a charged felon," Essayli said. "Our prosecutors are committed to holding her fully accountable, including seeking a federal prison sentence."
Molina, a mother of one, lives with her husband, Anthony Molina, 52, and their teenage son. William Hanway, a widower, lives alone and stated that his daughter and son-in-law visit him frequently. He mentioned that his daughter previously managed the accounts for his former fire alarm company, Safety Systems Technology, which closed four years ago.
Aliso Niguel High School, located in Aliso Viejo, serves students from Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel. The school's football team, the Wolverines, is a popular program. The indictment against Molina includes charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.