April 10, 2024

The Executive Director of the Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity faces charges that she stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from the nonprofit over a period of more than six years.

Prescott Police say the organization received an anonymous tip in February about the improper use of funds by a staff member; and they launched an internal investigation. They discovered that a large-scale fraud had begun back in 2017, and continued to the present; and they identified their Executive Director, a 60-year-old Dewey woman, as the main suspect.

The nonprofit notified police, who began their own investigation. They gathered evidence that the suspect had stolen over $400,000—in cash, bank deposits to her personal account, or by using funds for personal purchases, including home remodels, appliances, veterinarian bills, recreational vehicles, and personal legal fees and taxes, among other items. It was also revealed that the suspect had given herself a raise that was not approved by the organization’s board.

On Wednesday, April 10 police served a search warrant at the suspect’s home and seized numerous items related to the investigation; and arrested the suspect on charges of fraud and theft.

This investigation is ongoing, and the Police Department says additional arrests are possible for other subjects who may have been involved. They ask anyone with information that could help investigators to contact the Department at 928-777-1900.

Josh Freeman | KAZM News Director | josh@mellowmountainradio.com