Couple Running LA County Foster Homes Accused Of Embezzling Public Funds

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A couple who operated four foster homes for Los Angeles County pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of embezzling more than $460,000.

CSJ Kidogo, executive director of Little People's World, and his wife, Hitaji Kidogo, LPW's assistant executive director, have been charged with 11 counts each of misappropriation of public funds and embezzlement by a public or private officer. The couple was arrested at their Banning home.

As a result, Little People's World Group Homes will be closing soon, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said last Thursday.

The Los Angeles County's Auditor-Controller discovered in an audit that CSJ Kidogo borrowed money earmarked for foster care to purchase real estate for himself and pay mortgages on properties not used in the foster care program, according to the District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors say that the couple used public funds for their own financial gain.

The two are scheduled to return to court on Oct. 3 for a hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to require them to stand trial.

If convicted as charged, the Kidogos each face up to 14 years in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.

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