COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (AP) - A northern Idaho woman, charged with embezzling money from the nonprofit that she once led, is now a wanted person after being a no-show in court.
Lori Isenberg, 64, failed to appear for her arraignment Friday on a felony grand theft charge and 1st District Court Judge Scott Wayman issued a $500,000 arrest warrant.
Wayman first asked Isenberg’s defense attorney, Erik Smith, if he had a lawful reason for why Isenberg wasn’t in court.
“I do not, your honor,” Smith said.
Isenberg is charged with stealing $500,000 from the North Idaho Housing Coalition, which helps low- to moderate-income people buy homes. Isenberg was the organization’s director. She pleaded not guilty and posted $75,000 bond. Isenberg recently signed her homes over to her sister. She also skipped a previous court hearing.
North Idaho Housing Coalition President Kerri Thoreson was among those who were at Friday’s hearing.
“That trust that you have in someone for a long time - I don’t think anyone is really prepared for something like this,” she said. “I think everyone’s still reeling. This has a surreal feel to it.”
One of Isenberg’s daughters co-signed for the initial bail amount of $75,000, said Chris Skinner of Quick Release Bail Bonds. He said his company has an obligation to the court to find Isenberg.
“We’ll hire bounty hunters to find her,” he said.
In February at about the same time the possible embezzlement became known, Isenberg reported that her husband, 68-year Larry Isenberg, had fallen from their boat on Lake Coeur d’Alene. His body was found in the lake in March.
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