By 1News Reporters
9:54am

A former charitable trust employee has pleaded guilty to stealing more than
$1 million of funds intended for social support services in Porirua.


The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) had previously alleged that Iesha Warren misappropriated funds from Te Roopu Awhina Ki Porirua Trust, which works with whanau across Porirua to offer social services including care and protection programmes for children.


Warren was employed by the trust from 2019 until June 2021, and had access to the trust's financial systems. During that time, Warren directed $1.06
million into bank accounts she controlled.


Last Friday, she admitted to one representative charge of obtaining by deception, and one charge of failing to appear.


The failing to appear charge related to Warren not appearing in court in
August 2023, when she was required to do so.


SFO Director Karen Chang said the offending "targeted public funding which
was intended to support and protect the wellbeing of children in the Porirua region".


"This type of offending can lead to those communities missing out, as well as the erosion of trust in community leaders and institutions," she said.


Warren is scheduled to appear for sentencing at Wellington District Court on July 18, 2025.

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