HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) - A former employee of a West Virginia nonprofit organization has been accused of embezzling more than $4.7 million in federal funds, according to court documents.
Ruth Marie Phillips, 68, of Chesapeake, Ohio, was charged Wednesday with stealing funds from River Valley Child Development Services in Huntington, news outlets reported, citing an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court.
The nonprofit organization receives federal and state funding to provide programs, services and support to children and families.
Phillips worked as the director of business and finance at the agency for more than 30 years and was responsible for all financial operations, according to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint.
The criminal complaint alleges Phillips opened a bank account under the organization’s name in 2002 without permission. She used the account to convert approximately $4.72 million of funding for River Valley Child Development Services to her own account, the complaint said.
River Valley Child Development Services Director Susan Brodof said a new bookkeeping employee noticed a few “red flags,” which prompted a full review and led the agency to contact federal authorities.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether Phillips has an attorney.
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