NY LGBT Center Head Accused Of Theft

The former head of the primary lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community center in the Bronx, N.Y. has been arrested on charges of stealing more than $338,000 from the organization.

According to a report in The New York Post, Lisa Winters was charged with grand larceny and falsifying business records at the Bronx Community Pride Center (BCPC). Winters served as the organization's executive director from 2004 to 2010, when she was terminated from the position. Winters allegedly used the funds to pay for various personal expenses, such as dog walking, a trip to South Africa, and clothes.

The missing money leaves BCPC in considerable debt which, according to officials at the nonprofit, could force it to close its doors.

Winters was fired in January 2010, as the NYC Department of Investigation (DOI) began to investigate claims that she spent BCPC money without permission. The DOI eventually released a report that found that Winters used $338,674 of the organization's funds from 2005 until 2009. The largest amount was allegedly spent on the South Africa trip in 2007, which she took with her now-wife Eileen Scroggins.

BCPC board Chair Michelle Lopez also told investigators that her daughter lived with Winters in 2008, and that she went on a cruise with her. The cruise had been purchased by the nonprofit to auction at a fundraiser, but Lopez accused Winters of taking it for herself.

You can read the full story in The New York Post.