Honor Flight embezzlement; nonprofit owner sentenced to probation, jail

Honor Flight embezzlement, woman sentenced

A Cudahy woman who raised money to help honor and serve our veterans and then allegedly pocketed the cash has been sentenced to probation and jail time.

MILWAUKEE - A Cudahy woman who raised money to help honor and serve our veterans and then allegedly pocketed the cash has been sentenced to probation and jail time.

Joni Nogay appeared in Milwaukee County court Friday, Feb. 2 for the plea/sentencing hearing. She pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars meant to go to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.

Nogay, 60, pleaded guilty to collecting more than $100,000 over six years for her "We Run, They Fly" charity fundraiser. The money was to be donated to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Instead, Nogay used the money for herself.

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"I found myself making mistakes that spiraled out of control," Nogay said in a statement to the court. "I apologize from the absolute bottom of my heart to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, to my nonprofit committee members, to my family and friends and all who ever participated in events over the years."

The judge sentenced Nogay to five years prison and then stayed that term. He then sentenced Nogay to three years probation along with four months in jail – with good time and Huber privileges.

Joni Nogay makes statement to court prior to hearing her sentence

Joni Nogay makes statement to court prior to hearing her sentence.

The judge said the goal is restitution – to pay back thousands of dollars to donors – and more than $82,000 to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.

Nogay did not speak after Friday's hearing. She must report to the Milwaukee County Community Reintegration Center later this month.