A Southern California woman accused of embezzling over $411,000 from a high school football booster organization was arrested Thursday by the FBI. Julie Hanway Molina, 56, faces four federal wire fraud charges.
Federal agents apprehended Molina at her home in Aliso Viejo early Thursday morning. According to the federal indictment, Molina, who served as treasurer for a nonprofit supporting the Aliso Niguel High School Wolverines football team, allegedly diverted funds to pay for her personal mortgage and credit card bills.
Los Angeles' top federal prosecutor, Bill Essayli, stated that Molina's alleged actions represent a significant 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."
The indictment alleges that the scheme began around 2023 and continued until approximately November 2025. Molina's role as treasurer reportedly gave her access to the nonprofit's finances, including co-signing checks, making disbursements, receiving funds, maintaining financial records, and providing statements to the board. Prosecutors claim she used this access to divert money without authorization.
Specific allegations include that in June 2023, Molina wired approximately $131,523 from the nonprofit's bank account to pay the delinquent balance on her personal residence mortgage. The indictment also states that Molina attempted to conceal the alleged misappropriation by submitting falsified treasurer reports to board members.
Molina's involvement with the football organization was publicly known. She was identified as the football club's treasurer in 2024 in connection with Senior Night, an event honoring players and their families. During the event, she spoke about its emotional significance.
If convicted, Molina could face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count. Prosecutors are also seeking forfeiture of assets potentially including her $1.4 million home in Aliso Viejo, or a money judgment equal to its value if the property cannot be forfeited.
Molina is expected to make her initial appearance and be arraigned Monday in United States District Court in Santa Ana. The allegations against her remain unproven until established in court.