Former charity boss Angela Stathopoulos pleads guilty to stealing over $500,000

·

Angela Stathopoulos, a former charity manager, has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $500,000 from the Prahran Community Learning Centre (PCLC) over an 11-year period.

The 49-year-old, from Murrumbeena, spent the stolen money on lavish expenses such as concerts, holidays, designer clothes, and even petrol, funding a lifestyle that included trips to Disneyland and Harry Styles concerts.

Between May 2011 and March 2022, Stathopoulos embezzled $531,111.52, using her position as the head of PCLC to siphon funds meant for vulnerable children.

The money was spent on personal indulgences, including dance lessons for her daughter and more than $30,000 on petrol. She also spent over $128,000 on personal items, including clothing, beauty treatments, and entertainment.

In court, psychologist Carla Lechner testified that Stathopoulos “knew it was wrong” but could not resist an urge for “constant acquiring of goods for self-gratification.”

Angela Stathopoulos.

Lechner also explained that Stathopoulos’ actions were driven by an addiction to stealing and a need to acquire goods for herself and others, though she was not diagnosed with an addictive personality disorder.

Despite having the financial means to live legally, Stathopoulos opted to steal, with defence lawyer Joshua Sheppard suggesting that she could be sentenced to a community corrections order or a suspended prison term.

Stathopoulos’ lawyer also noted she had paid back the full amount of stolen funds with help from her husband.

The fraud came to light after a detailed investigation by the charity’s new chairperson, and forensic accountants revealed the extent of the theft. Initially denying the accusations, Stathopoulos later struggled to explain her lavish spending.

Former PCLC treasurer Maggie Burke told the court last month that Stathopoulos blocked access to financial records and refused to allocate funds to the charity while spending on personal luxuries.

As a result of the scandal, PCLC, which has since rebranded, suffered both financial loss and significant reputational damage, leading to the federal government withholding funds.

Stathopoulos was taken into custody and will be sentenced at a later date.

Source: Herald Sun.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Bouzouki Night 2025: A celebration of youth, culture and Hellenic pride in the Capital

It was a night of kefi in Canberra as 300 guests filled the Hellenic Club of Canberra for the Hellenic Youth Club’s Bouzouki Night 2025.

Cretan and Kalymnian youth in Sydney unite for a night of dance, music and kefi

The spirit of Greece came alive in Sydney as the Cretan Youth Association of Sydney and the Kalymnian Youth Society of NSW hosted Xoro.

Greek language attainment award, from yiayia’s kitchen to the classroom

The Greek Centre in Melbourne filled with pride and applause on Saturday, October 18 as the GCM honoured students of all ages.

Once a year, the future gathers at the Australian Hellenic War Memorial

Once a year, on an October spring morning, the Australian Hellenic War Memorial (AHWM) fills with the laughter of children.

Parliament House to host inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum

The Embassy of Greece in Australia will present the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, an exciting event.

You May Also Like

Greece and the UK agree to hold formal talks on possible return of the Parthenon Marbles

Greece and the United Kingdom have agreed to hold formal talks on the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

‘Luxperience’ at ICC Sydney, breaks previous records of Greek businesses involved in luxury travel

On Wednesday October 9th, 6 Greek companies sat together to discuss their prospects for luxury tourism in Greece, and how they can increase productivity...

South-west Sydney football club Liverpool Olympic celebrates 40 years

Liverpool Olympic FC (LOFC) celebrated its 40th Anniversary at the lavish Edessa Reception Venue at Greenfield Park in the west of Sydney.