BEVERLY HILLS—Patricia Cascione, 52, was arrested on Monday, September 17 in Santa Clarita for allegedly embezzling more than $58,000 from multiple Girl Scout Troops and close to $30,000 from the Beverly Hills Cancer Center.
Detectives with the Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau arrested Cascione for suspicion of grand theft and theft by false pretense. According to the Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department, detectives produced a search warrant at Cascione’s residence after a 15-month investigation. After searching her home, authorities found additional evidence.
Cascione was the treasurer for over 20 years for multiple Girl Scouts Troops and a Girl Scout Service Unit in Santa Clarita. The LASD’s department noted that its alleged that Cascione embezzled over $58,000 from several Girl Scout Troops, where she had access to bank accounts.
The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles released the following statement:
“We are aware of the arrest and charges brought against a former volunteer for Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles regarding the alleged mishandling or misuse of funds of two troops and a service unit in the Santa Clarita region. Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles has investigated this incident and will continue to cooperate fully with any ongoing police investigation. Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles has very high standards and expectations of our volunteers and consider honesty one of the hallmarks of Girl Scouts—it is our mission to instill and inspire in girls the courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place.”
Authorities revealed that detectives discovered that Cascione allegedly stolen over $30,000 from the Beverly Hills Cancer Center. The BHCC released a statement regarding the incident that reads:
“BHCC has been a financial victim of Mrs. Cascione’s actions. At no time were patents affected in any way. Moreover, patient care was never compromised as our organization has continued to provide patients with the best care available.”
Cascione was involved in numerous fundraising projects in the Santa Clarita Valley, her bail was set at $200,000, and she was released after posting $20,000.
Detectives believe that there may be additional victims and ask that anyone with questions or information contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Fraud & Cyber Crimes Bureau, Sergeant David Chambers at (661) 471-1534
Authorities widely distributed a photo of the suspect to the public in an attempt to identify other possible victims of Cascione.
