FAHA director, partner charged with felony elder embezzlement, fraud, conspiracy

Two men are under arrest in Sonoma County jail on felony fraud, conspiracy and elder abuse charges – including the recent executive director of the Finnish American Home Association, Daniel Broin.

Broin was arrested in Napa on Thursday, March 3 by Napa County sheriff’s deputies, and transferred to Sonoma County for charges. The man referred to in local press as his partner, Ayrick Michael Broin, turned himself in the next day, according to sources.

Each man faces three felony charges – for conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft by embezzlement and elder theft. An enhancement on the grand theft charges is for an amount greater than $100,000.

Daniel Broin is shown on the FAHA website as having been active at least since in November 2011; a spokesman for the Sonoma County District Attorney’s office said the warrant for their arrest was issued March 2, and cited evidence of financial wrongdoing over a five-year period, from November 2010 to November 2015.

The DA’s office confirmed that FAHA is the victim in these cases. FAHA told the Index-Tribune that they would have a statement in the coming days, but had no comment at present.

FAHA is a nonprofit organization that operates FAHA Manor, an affordable residence for seniors with 48 apartment units, and FAHA Palms, a cooperative residence for FAHA seniors with 16 condominium units, on the grounds of its complex in Sonoma.

The facilities on West Verano Avenue include two living residences for seniors, swimming pool, Finnish saunas, guest units, indoor meeting facilities, a reception hall, a commercial kitchen, and a library of Finnish literature, history and heritage.

According to county records, Ayrick Broin, 43, faces arraignment in county court Tuesday, March 8, at 1:30 pm. Daniel Broin, 55, faces arraignment the following day, Wednesday March 9.

Their separate arraignments reflect the different date of their bookings, but their cases will likely be combined in a single trial, according to the DA’s office. Both have bail set at $50,000.