-Caveat Lector- Ex-Headstart Chief Accused of Fraud By LARRY NEUMEISTER .c The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) -- The former director of a Headstart program has been charged with embezzling $250,000 intended to help poor families. Beatrice Richardson, 49, surrendered to police Monday and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James Francis, who released her on $200,000 bond. Prosecutors accused Ms. Richardson of diverting the money from the program to a clothing business, her sons' fledgling companies, her daughter's college tuition and an ex-boyfriend. Ms. Richardson allegedly had three seamstresses from her clothing company, B-Rich Clothing, working in a Headstart program room meant to be used as a children's classroom. ``Many of the government's allegations are incorrect,'' said Ms. Richardson's lawyer, Richard Willstatter, who wouldn't comment further. Ms. Richardson refused to comment. Ms. Richardson's children were not accused of wrongdoing. Among them is director Matty Rich, who was 19 when he released the critically acclaimed 1991 movie ``Straight Out of Brooklyn,'' about the downfall of a black working-class Brooklyn family. Prosecutors said a movie company co-owned by Rich and his mother, plus a music company owned by another son, received more than $50,000. Ms. Richardson, who now lives in Clearwater, Fla., was charged with writing unauthorized checks to benefit herself and her family while she was program director of the Metro North Association's Headstart program between 1991-1996. The Headstart programs are meant to benefit preschool children whose parents are on public assistance or whose income is below the poverty level. The city initially investigated because its Administration for Children's Services, which administers the program on behalf of the federal government, reported questionable expenses in the program. If convicted on embezzlement charges, Ms. Richardson could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
