The former chief operating officer (COO) of a nonprofit in Salisbury, Md., has been indicted for allegedly stealing $70,000 from the organization over a period of seven years.
According to a report in The Delmarva Daily Times, Brenda Malone’s alleged thefts from Lowershore Enterprises Inc (LSE). – an organization that helps people with disabilities get jobs – started as far back as 2005 and continued through September of 2012. The grand jury that handed down her indictment did not disclose for what Malone used the alleged stolen funds.
Luis Luna, chief executive officer at LSE, said in a statement that Malone has not been with the organization since September 2012 though he would not say whether she was fired or left on her own. He also declined to say how the stolen money would affect the organization’s mission going forward.
“In the standard course of business, Lower Shore Enterprises staff uncovered some financial irregularities and reported them to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and the Wicomico County State’s Attorney,” said Luna. “LSE cooperated fully with the authorities in the subsequent investigation. We will be unable to discuss the matter further until the case is resolved.”
In an interview with The Delmarva Daily Times, Luna further elaborated that LSE has no plans to make any changes to the nonprofit’s financial oversight since it was staff that uncovered the missing funds. “The system worked,” he reportedly said.
You can read the full story in The Delmarva Daily Times.
