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Ex-Legal Aid Clinic Manager In Charleston Guilty Of Fraud
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – The former office manager of a legal aid clinic in Charleston has admitted fraudulently taking $1.5 million over 12 years.
Authorities say Kim Cooper, of St. Albans, oversaw daily operations at the Mountain State Justice office, including bank deposits.
The nonprofit provides civil legal services to low-income West Virginians.
The 55-year-old Cooper pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud and tax evasion.
Prosecutors say she admitted that she secretly established a separate bank account in the nonprofit’s name, deposited checks for attorneys’ fees, then moved money to a private bank account for personal use starting in 2004.
She could face up to 25 years in prison at sentencing April 20 and has agreed to pay restitution to the extent she can.