Nonprofit leader charged with stealing money meant for the homeless

A former top official of a Philadelphia nonprofit whose mission was to help the homeless has been accused of using a corporate credit card to embezzle $198,628 from the organization from 2005 to 2010.

According to a federal indictment issued Tuesday, Erica N. Brown, 38, of Glenolden, Delaware County, was the chief operating officer of SELF Inc., which provides services to the homeless and behaviorally challenged people.

Brown allegedly used a corporate American Express card to pay expenses for herself, including trips to the Caribbean, Cape May, and elsewhere; meals at the Four Seasons; purchases at Wawa; a gym membership; a personal trainer; and clothing, including five pair of Ugg boots.

Before she was fired, Brown wrote checks totaling $4,867 to SELF Inc. to reimburse her personal expenses, according to the indictment.

SELF Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit with headquarters at Broad and Arch Streets in Center City, operates the Outley House Shelter at 69th Street and Woodland Avenue, among others in the city.

Telephone calls to SELF Inc. were not answered Tuesday afternoon, and Stephen P. Patrizio, a lawyer who represents Brown, did not return phone calls seeking comment.

In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, the nonprofit received $1.18 million from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the form of "pass through" funding from the city and the state. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, it received $1.08 million.

Because SELF Inc. receives federal money, Brown was charged with theft from a program receiving federal funds.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said she faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 if convicted.