CAPE CORAL, Fla — A Cape Coral woman in charge of a charity is accused of misusing funds meant to help improve safety at bus stops.
The Lights for Layla, Inc. was created in Honor of Layla Aiken, the 8-year-old who was killed in a hit-and-run back in March 2019.
Lights for Layla Incorporated was created to raise funds to improve bus stop safety.
Investigators say Randi Romanoff controlled the non-profit and was responsible for the charity and distribution of the money received through fundraising events.
Detectives say the non-profit was able to raise $72,804, and a portion of the money went towards the Aiken family, and the remaining money was not used toward bus stop safety improvements.
An investigation by the Cape Coral Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit discovered none of the Lights for Layla, Inc. donations were used as they were intended.
Instead, investigators say it was used for things like attorney’s fees, large cash withdrawals, Microsoft/Xbox, Diamondhead Beach Resort, utility bills, toll violations, retail shopping, and restaurants.
Romanoff is being charged with Grand Theft of $20,000 or more, Scheme to Defraud $20,000 or more and, four counts of Violation of the Solicitation of Contributions Act.
