The director of finance for a D.C. non-profit advocacy group has been arrested and charged with embezzling more than $320,000 from the organization. The alleged crimes took place between October 2021 and October 2022.
Key Takeaways
- Jarrett Lewis, 44, was arrested for embezzling over $320,000.
- The alleged embezzlement occurred between October 2021 and October 2022.
- Lewis is charged with nine counts of wire fraud.
- If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Arrest and Charges
Jarrett Lewis, 44, of Washington, D.C., was arrested on Thursday. According to U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist, Lewis is accused of embezzling more than $320,000 from the non-profit where he served as the director of finance.
Alleged Scheme
The indictment alleges that Lewis misdirected hundreds of thousands of dollars into his bank accounts under the guise of paying an external vendor. This fraudulent activity reportedly took place on at least 35 occasions. To cover his tracks, Lewis created false documents.
Additionally, Lewis allegedly used the company’s credit card to pay for air travel for himself and a friend on at least 11 occasions.
Legal Proceedings
Lewis is charged with nine counts of wire fraud. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and prosecuted by the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Impact on the Non-Profit
The non-profit organization, which remains unnamed due to its status as a victim in this case, has been significantly impacted by the alleged embezzlement. The organization is currently cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.
Conclusion
The arrest of Jarrett Lewis serves as a stark reminder of the importance of financial oversight and accountability within non-profit organizations. As the legal proceedings unfold, the non-profit community will be watching closely to see the outcome of this high-profile case.
