Posted on Wednesday, 10.27.10

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/27/1894683/2m-ohio-bond-for-woman-accused.html

The Associated Press

CLEVELAND -- A $2 million bond has been set for a woman accused of conspiring to scam Ohioans out of about $2 million through a Florida-based charity that purported to raise money for U.S. Navy veterans.

Thirty-eight-year-old Blanca Contreras of Tampa, Fla., pleaded not guilty at an arraignment Wednesday in Cuyahoga County court in Cleveland.

The Ohio attorney general's office says Contreras helped operate the U.S. Navy Veterans Association that collected about $20 million in 30 states from 2003 to 2010.

She and the group's director are charged with aggravated theft, money laundering and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Authorities say the director uses the false name Bobby Thompson and remains at large.

A message seeking comment was left at the public defender's office assigned to represent Contreras.