Madigan: Directors of Anna Bixby Center falsified records, stole funds

The directors of a Saline County domestic violence shelter have been charged with falsifying records and stealing funds.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has charged Barbara Wingo, 76, of Golconda, and her daughter, Terrie Wingo-Eichorn, 50, of Elizabethtown, with multiple counts, including financial institution fraud, loan fraud, wire fraud, forgery, and using charitable assets for personal use.

Wingo is the executive director of the Anna Bixby Women's Center in Harrisburg. Wingo-Eichorn serves as assistant director.

Madigan claims the two women submitted false documents to the state to "obtain grant funding to provide fictitious counseling services to domestic violence victims." They are also accused of using false documents to get a $100,000 loan to fund a salon in Harrisburg. Wingo-Eichorn is charged with using more than $1,800 in donations to buy electronics and other personal items.

"The defendants betrayed the trust of the taxpayers and charitable foundations who intended their donations to help survivors of domestic violence as they attempt to rebuild their lives," Madigan said. "We will prosecute this case to ensure justice is achieved."

The Anna Bixby Women's Center serves Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Pope, Saline and White counties.

Barbara Wingo
*one count of organizer of a continuing criminal financial crimes enterprise, a Class X felony
*one count of continuing criminal financial crimes enterprise, a Class 1 felony
*two counts of financial institution fraud, a Class 2 felony
*one count of loan fraud, a Class 2 felony
*one count of wire fraud, a Class 3 felony
*three counts of forgery, a Class 3 felony
*one count of personal use of charitable assets, a Class 2 felony.

Terrie Wingo-Eichorn
*one count of continuing criminal financial crimes enterprise, a Class 1 felony
*two counts of financial institution fraud, a Class 2 felony
*one count of loan fraud, a Class 2 felony
*one count of wire fraud, a Class 3 felony
*two counts of forgery, a Class 3 felony
*one count of personal use of charitable assets, a Class 2 felony
*one count of money laundering, a Class 3 felony