LOS ANGELES - The former executive director of a non-profit organization that imparts life skills to at-risk youth was charged today with grand theft for allegedly taking more than $119,000.Jacqueline Gelfand, 61, is expected to appear for arraignment this week in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Gelfand faces one felony count of grand theft of personal property. The criminal complaint alleges that Gelfand unlawfully took money and personal property totaling $119,568 from InsideOUT Writers, Inc. The alleged theft took place between May 14, 2008, and November 24, 2009. InsideOUT Writers offers programs for youth impacted by the criminal justice system, including creative writing classes for youth in Los Angeles County juvenile detention centers and re-entry services for students released from detention. Prosecutors have recommended the defendant's bail be set at $119,568. If convicted as charged, Gelfand faces a maximum sentence of three years in county jail.

********** Published: October 27, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 28