Brian James Brown, the former head of a charity advocating for Native Americans, pleaded not guilty Monday to charges that he stole $4 million from the organization.
According to a report in The Oregonian, Brown was arrested on Sunday at Portland International Airport, just as he was returning from a month-long trip to Thailand. Authorities say that his excursion was paid for, in part, by the funds allegedly stolen from National Relief Charities (NRC).
The arrest comes 11 days after a federal grand jury in Portland handed up an indictment against Brown, which charged him and unnamed co-conspirators with attempting to defraud NRC. The indictment further stated that Brown stepped down as head of the organization in 2005 to form his own nonprofit, Charity One Inc., which did business as the American Indian Education Endowment Fund.
Brown allegedly convinced NRC to fund Charity One with $4 million from 2006 to 2009, saying the funds would be used to offer scholarships to Native Americans.
"Instead," the government wrote in a news release, "Brown and unnamed co-conspirators allegedly used the entire $4 million for their personal benefit."
To keep the checks of either $100,000 or $200,000 coming in, Brown allegedly delivered falsified financial statements to prove that the money was being used appropriately.
Brown was allowed to go free after his arraignment as he awaits his Dec. 17 trial. He was ordered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Dennis J. Hubel to surrender his passport, wear a GPS ankle monitor, and stay at home from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
You can read the full report in The Oregonian.
Showing posts with label theft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theft. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Friday, August 9, 2013
Thieves Return Stolen Computers To Nonprofit
When something is stolen from your home or place of work, the last thing you would expect is for it to be politely returned by the perpetrators. Yet that is exactly what happened to one nonprofit in California.
Just hours after six computers were stolen from the offices of San Bernardino County Sexual Assault Services on July 31, a local ABC affiliate reported that the burglars apparently had a change of heart: The computers were returned intact along with a handwritten note that said [sic]: "We had no idea what we were takeing. Here your stuff back. We hope that you guys can continue to make a difference in people's lives. God Bless."
"I don't know what to feel," Executive Director Candy Stallings told KABC. "One minute I'm devastated, and the next minute I just thought, 'Wow, this is just incredible.'" Stallings plans to frame the note left by the burglars to "tell each and everyone one of the staff here that do this work that you never know when you're going to touch somebody."
Police said that the thieves were able to bypass the organization's security systems by clipping phone wires and alarm cables. They were then able to enter the office through a crawlspace.
Though Stallings will be able to breathe a sigh of relief with their computers now returned, the nonprofit will still be out $5,000 because of the damages caused by the burglars. Individuals interested in donating should e-mail candyir@aol.com or call 909-855-8884.
You can read the full story on KABC's website.
Just hours after six computers were stolen from the offices of San Bernardino County Sexual Assault Services on July 31, a local ABC affiliate reported that the burglars apparently had a change of heart: The computers were returned intact along with a handwritten note that said [sic]: "We had no idea what we were takeing. Here your stuff back. We hope that you guys can continue to make a difference in people's lives. God Bless."
"I don't know what to feel," Executive Director Candy Stallings told KABC. "One minute I'm devastated, and the next minute I just thought, 'Wow, this is just incredible.'" Stallings plans to frame the note left by the burglars to "tell each and everyone one of the staff here that do this work that you never know when you're going to touch somebody."
Police said that the thieves were able to bypass the organization's security systems by clipping phone wires and alarm cables. They were then able to enter the office through a crawlspace.
Though Stallings will be able to breathe a sigh of relief with their computers now returned, the nonprofit will still be out $5,000 because of the damages caused by the burglars. Individuals interested in donating should e-mail candyir@aol.com or call 909-855-8884.
You can read the full story on KABC's website.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Queens Nonprofit Head Pleads Guilty To Stealing Funds
The head of a nonprofit youth camp in Queens, N.Y. pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds allocated by state lawmakers.
Van Holmes, president of the Young Leaders Institute Inc., was arrested on July 16th on charges that he misused $850,000 in member items that were set aside for the organization over several years. According to a report in The Times Ledger, Holmes claimed he would use the money to take campers on trips to Wall Street and Albany, but prosecutors allege that he used nearly $77,000 of the funds to pay employees of an after-school programs he ran.
Holmes has agreed to pay back tens of thousands of dollars to the state.
“Today’s plea and sentencing are an appropriate punishment for the crimes committed against the taxpayers of New York and the children for whom these funds were intended,” said state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli in a join statement. “We thank the Department of Investigation, as well as staff in both the attorney general’s and comptroller’s offices, for their diligent work and a successful outcome in this case.”
A large portion of the grants that Holmes received came from then-State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Queens), who allocated almost $80,000 in funds for Young Leaders Institute. Huntley plead guilty earlier this year to embezzling $88,000 from the Parents Workshop, an education nonprofit she helped create. Her case is not related to Holmes', authorities said.
You can read the full story in The Times Ledger.
Van Holmes, president of the Young Leaders Institute Inc., was arrested on July 16th on charges that he misused $850,000 in member items that were set aside for the organization over several years. According to a report in The Times Ledger, Holmes claimed he would use the money to take campers on trips to Wall Street and Albany, but prosecutors allege that he used nearly $77,000 of the funds to pay employees of an after-school programs he ran.
Holmes has agreed to pay back tens of thousands of dollars to the state.
“Today’s plea and sentencing are an appropriate punishment for the crimes committed against the taxpayers of New York and the children for whom these funds were intended,” said state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli in a join statement. “We thank the Department of Investigation, as well as staff in both the attorney general’s and comptroller’s offices, for their diligent work and a successful outcome in this case.”
A large portion of the grants that Holmes received came from then-State Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Queens), who allocated almost $80,000 in funds for Young Leaders Institute. Huntley plead guilty earlier this year to embezzling $88,000 from the Parents Workshop, an education nonprofit she helped create. Her case is not related to Holmes', authorities said.
You can read the full story in The Times Ledger.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Ex-Nonprofit Director Sentenced
The ex-director of a nonprofit in Sanford, Maine was sentenced Tuesday to 2 1/2 years in prison for stealing more than $900,000 from the organization over six years. He was also ordered to pay $1.35 million in restitution and will report to prison on June 18.
According to a report in the Portland Press Herald, Thomas Nelson embezzled the money from York County Community Action (YCCA) from 2004 until his resignation in 2010. The organization provides services for low-income women and children.
Nelson's attorney, Jeffrey Silverstein, said that his client stole the money to fuel his gambling addiction, a habit he has since stopped. Nelson apologized for his actions in court, saying he let down YCCA.
"They trusted me, treated me well and I let them down."
Nelson transferred the money he stole from YCCA to a consulting firm outside Maine that returned part of the money in cash or payments toward his personal finances, according to court records. He continued to work for other nonprofits after he left YCCA in 2010, working as an executive director for Rockingham County Community Action in New Hampshire until, when faced with charges of embezzlement, he pleaded guilty in 2012.
The U.S. Attorney's Office recommended a reduced prison sentence for Nelson since he cooperated fully with investigators. Judge Nancy Torresen accepted this recommendation for this reason and because she wanted Nelson to return to the workforce quickly so he could repay his debt.
"From my point of view, you stole money from people who could least afford to lose it," Torresen told Nelson. "I consider this crime shameful."
In a written statement, Barbara Crider, YCCA's current executive director, thanked the U.S. Attorney's Office for their efforts and said that no program funds were taken as a result of Nelson's actions, and that services were not interrupted. The organization has also recovered a significant amount of the lost funds from its insurance bond.
You can read the full story in the Portland Press Herald.
According to a report in the Portland Press Herald, Thomas Nelson embezzled the money from York County Community Action (YCCA) from 2004 until his resignation in 2010. The organization provides services for low-income women and children.
Nelson's attorney, Jeffrey Silverstein, said that his client stole the money to fuel his gambling addiction, a habit he has since stopped. Nelson apologized for his actions in court, saying he let down YCCA.
"They trusted me, treated me well and I let them down."
Nelson transferred the money he stole from YCCA to a consulting firm outside Maine that returned part of the money in cash or payments toward his personal finances, according to court records. He continued to work for other nonprofits after he left YCCA in 2010, working as an executive director for Rockingham County Community Action in New Hampshire until, when faced with charges of embezzlement, he pleaded guilty in 2012.
The U.S. Attorney's Office recommended a reduced prison sentence for Nelson since he cooperated fully with investigators. Judge Nancy Torresen accepted this recommendation for this reason and because she wanted Nelson to return to the workforce quickly so he could repay his debt.
"From my point of view, you stole money from people who could least afford to lose it," Torresen told Nelson. "I consider this crime shameful."
In a written statement, Barbara Crider, YCCA's current executive director, thanked the U.S. Attorney's Office for their efforts and said that no program funds were taken as a result of Nelson's actions, and that services were not interrupted. The organization has also recovered a significant amount of the lost funds from its insurance bond.
You can read the full story in the Portland Press Herald.
Monday, May 13, 2013
NJ Nonprofit Director Charged With Embezzlement
The former director of human resources for a New Jersey nonprofit was charged Saturday with embezzling more than $100,000 from the organization.
According to a report on a Philadelphia CBS affiliate, prosecutors allege that Christopher English generated paychecks from previously terminated employees of the Arc Mercer -- an advocacy and resource group for the mentally disabled -- and deposited those checks into his personal checking account. He allegedly spent that money on items ranging from a new truck to a $30,000 travel trailer.
English faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities say the alleged theft was discovered when the Arc's payroll company reported some discrepancies to the organization. The nonprofit was able to recover almost all of the funds that was taken in English's alleged embezzlement.
The Arc Mercer is located in Ewing, N.J., and has almost 350 employees and an annual budget of close to $17 million.
You can read the full story on CBS Philly's website.
According to a report on a Philadelphia CBS affiliate, prosecutors allege that Christopher English generated paychecks from previously terminated employees of the Arc Mercer -- an advocacy and resource group for the mentally disabled -- and deposited those checks into his personal checking account. He allegedly spent that money on items ranging from a new truck to a $30,000 travel trailer.
English faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities say the alleged theft was discovered when the Arc's payroll company reported some discrepancies to the organization. The nonprofit was able to recover almost all of the funds that was taken in English's alleged embezzlement.
The Arc Mercer is located in Ewing, N.J., and has almost 350 employees and an annual budget of close to $17 million.
You can read the full story on CBS Philly's website.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Former Treasurer Faces Theft Charges
The former treasurer of a Tallahassee, Fl.-based nonprofit is being charged with stealing more than 90,000 from the organization.
According to a report on Tallahassee.com, Jamie Pitts was arrested Wednesday after investigators discovered she allegedly wrote checks to herself from the nonprofit for she worked, Child Advocates II, over two years. The organization obtains its donations from Guardian Ad Litem, a group that serves Florida's abused and neglected children.
Authorities allege that Pitts, who had sole access the nonprofit's account, deposited the 159 checks totaling more than $90,000 into her personal bank account. She allegedly represented the checks as expense reimbursements most of which she listed as "voided" when she presented financial statements to Child Advocates' board. The checks were reportedly written starting in August 2010 and ending on April 27, 2012.
Brad Sealey, chair of the board, first discovered the alleged theft in March when he discovered the organization's account had a negative balance. When he was able to gain access to the account by proving he was the chair of Child Advocates' board, he discovered Pitts' alleged actions.
In a sworn statement, Sealey said that the organization's bylaws state that any reimbursements must be approved by a resolution of the board, and that no such resolutions were ever made to reimburse Pitts.
Pitts faces charges of grand theft and organized scheme to defraud. You can read the full story on Tallahassee.com.
According to a report on Tallahassee.com, Jamie Pitts was arrested Wednesday after investigators discovered she allegedly wrote checks to herself from the nonprofit for she worked, Child Advocates II, over two years. The organization obtains its donations from Guardian Ad Litem, a group that serves Florida's abused and neglected children.
Authorities allege that Pitts, who had sole access the nonprofit's account, deposited the 159 checks totaling more than $90,000 into her personal bank account. She allegedly represented the checks as expense reimbursements most of which she listed as "voided" when she presented financial statements to Child Advocates' board. The checks were reportedly written starting in August 2010 and ending on April 27, 2012.
Brad Sealey, chair of the board, first discovered the alleged theft in March when he discovered the organization's account had a negative balance. When he was able to gain access to the account by proving he was the chair of Child Advocates' board, he discovered Pitts' alleged actions.
In a sworn statement, Sealey said that the organization's bylaws state that any reimbursements must be approved by a resolution of the board, and that no such resolutions were ever made to reimburse Pitts.
Pitts faces charges of grand theft and organized scheme to defraud. You can read the full story on Tallahassee.com.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Ex-Nonprofit Head Sentenced In Theft Case
The ex-head of an Olympia, Wash., nonprofit was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay restitution after pleading guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from the organization over three years.
Jacalyn Tobosa, who was appointed executive director of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation in 2007, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of second-degree theft. According to a report in The Olympian, the missing money was discovered when John Freedman, who was hired as an administrator for the foundation in 2008, discovered that multiple checks issued by Tobosa to her son’s landscaping business, which she hired to maintain Tumwater Falls Park. The checks were not supported by invoices in organizational financial records.
A subsequent audit revealed that Tobosa embezzled nearly $100,000 from the foundation between 2008 and 2011. She was fired in June 2011 and Tumwater Police Department began its investigation of the matter shortly thereafter.
In a written statement issued to The Olympian, Freedman noted that Tobosa’s theft had not affected the foundation's level of charitable work. Founded in 1950, the organization provides scholarships to local students, and manages Tumwater Falls Park and the Schmidt House.
Tobosa’s daughter, Kimberly Spada, is facing one charge of first-degree theft for allegedly stealing more than $5,000 from the foundation between June 2010 and May 2011. Spada had been hired by her mother to do bookkeeping in February 2011. She failed to show up for her arraignment on Sept. 11, and there is currently a warrant out for her arrest.
You can read the full story in The Olympian.
Jacalyn Tobosa, who was appointed executive director of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation in 2007, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of second-degree theft. According to a report in The Olympian, the missing money was discovered when John Freedman, who was hired as an administrator for the foundation in 2008, discovered that multiple checks issued by Tobosa to her son’s landscaping business, which she hired to maintain Tumwater Falls Park. The checks were not supported by invoices in organizational financial records.
A subsequent audit revealed that Tobosa embezzled nearly $100,000 from the foundation between 2008 and 2011. She was fired in June 2011 and Tumwater Police Department began its investigation of the matter shortly thereafter.
In a written statement issued to The Olympian, Freedman noted that Tobosa’s theft had not affected the foundation's level of charitable work. Founded in 1950, the organization provides scholarships to local students, and manages Tumwater Falls Park and the Schmidt House.
Tobosa’s daughter, Kimberly Spada, is facing one charge of first-degree theft for allegedly stealing more than $5,000 from the foundation between June 2010 and May 2011. Spada had been hired by her mother to do bookkeeping in February 2011. She failed to show up for her arraignment on Sept. 11, and there is currently a warrant out for her arrest.
You can read the full story in The Olympian.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Nonprofit Administrator Sentenced In Theft Case
The former administrator of a nonprofit in Prince George's County, Md., was sentenced to four and a half years in prison Monday on charges that she stole thousands of dollars from the organization.
According to a report on Gazette.net, Penny Parker Green was charged with leading a scheme to steal $166,137 from the Arc of Prince George's County and 72 group home residents between November 2006 and February 2012. During those dates, she allegedly used the company credit card to purchase a flight for an Aruba vacation, install custom closets in her home and purchase computers, electronics, furniture and other merchandise and services.
U.S. prosecutors also charged that Green instructed employees to withdraw cash from residents' bank accounts for her personal use.
Green worked as an administrator at The Arc for 13 years, according to staff at the organization, and made an annual salary of $95,000. Arc Executive Director Mac Ramsey told Gazette.net that Green first was suspected of wrongdoing when he learned that she allegedly lied about having her master's and doctorate degrees, even though those were not requirements for the job. Since the incident, Ramsey said, the organization has reviewed it security practices and closed some loopholes to ensure something like this never happens again.
Green eventually was arrested on May 23 on charges of wire fraud.
U.S. District Court Judge Alexander Williams Jr., also sentenced Green to three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay the Arc $166,137. She was made to forfeit the items she purchased with the company credit card.
You can read the full story on Gazette.net.
According to a report on Gazette.net, Penny Parker Green was charged with leading a scheme to steal $166,137 from the Arc of Prince George's County and 72 group home residents between November 2006 and February 2012. During those dates, she allegedly used the company credit card to purchase a flight for an Aruba vacation, install custom closets in her home and purchase computers, electronics, furniture and other merchandise and services.
U.S. prosecutors also charged that Green instructed employees to withdraw cash from residents' bank accounts for her personal use.
Green worked as an administrator at The Arc for 13 years, according to staff at the organization, and made an annual salary of $95,000. Arc Executive Director Mac Ramsey told Gazette.net that Green first was suspected of wrongdoing when he learned that she allegedly lied about having her master's and doctorate degrees, even though those were not requirements for the job. Since the incident, Ramsey said, the organization has reviewed it security practices and closed some loopholes to ensure something like this never happens again.
Green eventually was arrested on May 23 on charges of wire fraud.
U.S. District Court Judge Alexander Williams Jr., also sentenced Green to three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay the Arc $166,137. She was made to forfeit the items she purchased with the company credit card.
You can read the full story on Gazette.net.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Former Girl Scout Treasurer Accused Of Theft
The former treasurer of a Girl Scouts troop in Douglasville, Ga., allegedly stole nearly $10,000 from the group according to police.
Darlene Jo Lewis allegedly stole $9,800 from Girl Scout Troop 798, according to a report on the website of Fox Atlanta. Investigators state that she was treasurer of the organization from 2010 to 2012, and that her daughter was also a member of the troop. She was arrested by local police on Friday.
Investigators allege that Lewis used the money she stole to pay for gifts for herself, her son, and a senior dating service. Troop 798 will be disbanding because of the loss of money, according to police.
Lewis faces charges of felony theft by taking and is being held on bail at Douglas County Jail.
You can read the full story on MyFox Atlanta.
Darlene Jo Lewis allegedly stole $9,800 from Girl Scout Troop 798, according to a report on the website of Fox Atlanta. Investigators state that she was treasurer of the organization from 2010 to 2012, and that her daughter was also a member of the troop. She was arrested by local police on Friday.
Investigators allege that Lewis used the money she stole to pay for gifts for herself, her son, and a senior dating service. Troop 798 will be disbanding because of the loss of money, according to police.
Lewis faces charges of felony theft by taking and is being held on bail at Douglas County Jail.
You can read the full story on MyFox Atlanta.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Ex-NY Politician Pleads Guilty In Nonprofit Theft Case
A former New York State Senator pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges that she stole nearly $88,000 from a nonprofit program that uses tax-payer money.
According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Shirley Huntley (D-Queens) admitted to the court that she wrote $24,500 in checks from the bank account of an education nonprofit she helped start, The Parents Workshop. She said the money was used to buy gifts for her family members, as well as to pay her personal credit card bills.
The embezzling scheme started during her time in the State Senate, which began in 2007 and ended last year when she lost a re-election bid.
U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch said in a statement that Huntley "used her knowledge of the system to steal funds intended to help some of her neediest constituents, lining her own pockets at the expense of parents, and ultimately their children."
She faces up to five years in prison, though no sentencing date was set as of this writing.
You can read the full story in The Wall Street Journal.
According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Shirley Huntley (D-Queens) admitted to the court that she wrote $24,500 in checks from the bank account of an education nonprofit she helped start, The Parents Workshop. She said the money was used to buy gifts for her family members, as well as to pay her personal credit card bills.
The embezzling scheme started during her time in the State Senate, which began in 2007 and ended last year when she lost a re-election bid.
U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch said in a statement that Huntley "used her knowledge of the system to steal funds intended to help some of her neediest constituents, lining her own pockets at the expense of parents, and ultimately their children."
She faces up to five years in prison, though no sentencing date was set as of this writing.
You can read the full story in The Wall Street Journal.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Former Salvation Army Director Charged With Theft
The former executive director of a Salvation Army facility has been charged in the alleged theft of toys and donations from the organization's Toronto warehouse.
David Rennie was fired after the charity announced last week that 100,000 items worth about $2 million went missing from the facility over a period of two years, according to a report in The Huffington Post. Rennie is charged with theft, possession of stolen goods, and breach of trust. He will appear in court on Jan. 4.
According to an article in The Toronto Star, the alleged theft first came to light after an anonymous whistleblower, who is believed to be an employee at the warehouse, informed the Salvation Army that there were irregularities at the facility. After a month-long internal audit, it was discovered that toys and donations had gone missing, and Rennie was fired shortly after.
Police found the missing items in a warehouse northwest of Toronto, were 146 wooden platforms were stacked with toys, cribs, strollers, and other items.
You can read the full story in The Huffington Post.
David Rennie was fired after the charity announced last week that 100,000 items worth about $2 million went missing from the facility over a period of two years, according to a report in The Huffington Post. Rennie is charged with theft, possession of stolen goods, and breach of trust. He will appear in court on Jan. 4.
According to an article in The Toronto Star, the alleged theft first came to light after an anonymous whistleblower, who is believed to be an employee at the warehouse, informed the Salvation Army that there were irregularities at the facility. After a month-long internal audit, it was discovered that toys and donations had gone missing, and Rennie was fired shortly after.
Police found the missing items in a warehouse northwest of Toronto, were 146 wooden platforms were stacked with toys, cribs, strollers, and other items.
You can read the full story in The Huffington Post.
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