PROVO, Utah — The CEO of a Utah-based non-profit dedicated to fighting human trafficking was booked into Utah County Jail Friday for over 30 felony offenses.
Candace Lierd, 37, formerly known as Candace Rivera, faces charges of communications fraud, theft, and forgery among others. In total, she was with 35 different offenses, 32 of which were felonies.
The arrest comes as a result of an investigation by the Utah Attorney General's Office into the non-profit, EXITUS, which began back in June.
"An Attorney General’s Office investigation uncovered evidence that Candace Lierd repeatedly made false representations to donors who gave money to support the fight against human trafficking," a statement from the Office of the Attorney General reads in part," and that Lierd used at least some of the money for personal expenses including homes, apartments, cars, and trips. Lierd also made claims to be a physician, physician’s assistant, and nurse but was never licensed or registered in Utah."
According to arresting documents filed Friday, the investigation was prompted after Lierd was charged with felony check fraud over a check written for over $8,000 to a vendor for services at a 2022 event hosted by the non-profit.
Investigators uncovered multiple instances of communications fraud, false statements, embezzlement, as well as the ability to obtain fraudulent passports.
Many of the charges allege investigators found Lierd was never a legitimate nurse, medical doctor or nurse practitioner, which she allegedly claimed to be for personal financial gain.
While an investigation revealed Lierd was employed at the University of Utah hospital in 2011 and 2012, her title was "Psychiatric Technician" and her "termination was an involuntary dismissal," arresting documents report.
Documents also detail specific instances in which Lierd used her credentials as a medical professional in an effort to rent properties and promote herself amongst various groups.
In one instance, documents state Lierd told a landlord she worked for the FBI, which was proven later untrue, to rent a Lehi home.
"Candace effectively 'squatted' at the property for about six months," arresting documents say in part. "She caused approximately $10,000 in damage done to the property on her eviction. There is no record of Candace being employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
Investigators also found Lierd embezzling thousands of dollars from Exitus as well as other accounts into her own personal accounts and signing unauthorized documents to get money.
Lierd is currently being held without bail, pending trial.
This is a developing story. FOX 13 News will continue to provide updates as they are made available.
