Ex-director of nonprofit charged with grand theft

The former finance director of nonprofit senior citizen assistance corporation Community Senior Serv was arrested Wednesday morning by the Orange County District Attorney on charges of embezzling nearly $1 million.

Huntington Beach resident Medelia Chiong Fernan, 50, was charged with 242 felony counts of grand theft by embezzlement for using more than $900,000 in company funds to write personal checks and pay bills.

The Anaheim-based organization provides services like Meals on Wheels to county seniors.

Fernan was arrested by DA investigators at her home, which she recently sold, when investigators feared she would leave the country. Authorities said Fernan had $20,000 in hundred-dollar bills in her purse when she was arrested.

Fernan faces a maximum of 170 years in state prison, authorities said.

— Candice Baker