Charity official charged with embezzlement

The Orangewood Children’s Foundation’s former chief financial officer, who was fired in 2005 amid suspicions of embezzlement, was arrested Thursday on more than 200 charges.

Tracy Salcido, 37, of Yorba Linda, is charged with 206 counts of forgery and 20 counts of falsifying records, actions that allegedly helped her obtain more than $780,000 of foundation money. Prosecutors said Salcido forged checks, manipulated accounts and falsified reports of the foundation’s expenses and earnings.

In 2005, the Santa Ana-based foundation filed a civil lawsuit against Salcido in hopes of recovering the money.

According to the Orange County district attorney’s office, Salcido is being held on $750,000 bail. She is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Santa Ana and could face up to 143 years in prison if convicted.

Orangewood, which operates a shelter in the city of Orange for neglected and abused children, is supported by many Newport-Mesa residents and organizations.