Ex-Manager Accused of Bilking $600K From Nonprofit for Troubled Children

A former manager at a Northwest Philadelphia mental-health treatment facility was accused Tuesday of embezzling more than a half-million dollars in public funds meant to help children suffering from trauma and behavioral disorders.

Federal prosecutors say Sonja McQuillar, the former director of health and information management at Northern Children's Services, issued checks through her job to family, friends and agency contractors for work they did not perform.

She allegedly forged signatures to cash the checks and pocket the money herself. Authorities estimate she bilked more than $600,000 from the agency between 2002 and 2014 as a result of her purported scheme.