On the day Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles has to leave for the Tokyo Olympics, her mother, Gina Chiles, is supposed to start her 366 days in prison. But on July 13, the Oregon Court has approved a 30-day delay for the mom so she can watch her daughter go for the gold.
According to People, Gina's lawyers asked the court if she could self-surrender on Aug. 26, or after the Olympics competition, instead of starting her prison time on July 27. Gina was convicted of one count of wire fraud after admitting that she stole money from her clients as a property manager for Inspire Vision Property Management LLC.
Her lawyers said she should be given "some additional time" to show her support and guidance for a very important moment in Jordan's life. The prosecutors had no objection to the request; thus, the judge granted the 30-day delay without any hesitation.
Gina Chiles' Crime
Court documents revealed that Gina embezzled her clients' money for four years by falsifying bank statements. She diverted about $1 million from their bank accounts into her own personal account to use for travels, retail purchases, and services and then dodged her clients' calls.
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One client, Karla Pearlstein, said she lost $945,000 from Gina's scheme and found out about it after she stumbled upon copies of the fake bank statements.
"She had a Key Bank statement and she was, like, taping over the numbers on the statement to show what she wanted it to show," Pearlstein said.
Apart from her prison time, the court has also ordered the mother to pay restitution of $1.2 million once she is out of prison. Pearlstein has been aware that Gina's lawyers planned on asking to move her imprisonment date for Jordan's Olympic competition, and the victim said that Gina got just a "slap on the wrist" from the court. Pearlstein noted that the court might see Gina as low risk because she's a charming woman.
Wire fraud constitutes 20 years in federal prison, but because Gina admitted her crime, she made a plea agreement with the court.
Gina and her husband, Timothy Chiles, are also pastors of the His Word Worship Center in Washington, where they prominently display that they are open for donors.
In 2020, the mom figured in the headlines because she released a children's book, "Dream Big Little Chick," based on their talented daughter. The book detailed how Jordan had to work hard to earn her place in Team USA's gymnastics.
'Most Amazing Moment as a Mom'
While recently appearing on Today, Gina said that her most amazing moment as a mother is whenever she watches Jordan on the floor. With her impending imprisonment, the mom said that she would cherish the chance to watch her girl compete as "sweet" and not "bittersweet."
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The 20-year-old gymnast has the support of her team members as well, including former champion Simone Biles, 24, who will return to the Olympics for a second time. Her mother, Nellie Biles, said that the friendship between Jordan and Simone has been admirable to watch as the girls push each other to give it their best.
