South Jersey woman sentenced to 8 years in prison for embezzling funds from a nonprofit organization.

Colleen Witten, the former chief financial officer of a Burlington County nonprofit organization, has been sentenced to eight years in state prison for embezzling .5 million from the agency. This unprecedented case highlights significant issues regarding financial oversight and ethical conduct within nonprofit organizations.

Witten, 56, from Buena in Atlantic County, admitted her wrongdoing in June when she pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including theft, money laundering, and tax evasion. The misappropriation occurred during her tenure at OTC Services, a nonprofit dedicated to providing job training for adults with disabilities. Authorities assert that Witten’s actions not only undermine the mission of such nonprofits but also impact the vulnerable populations they serve.

According to New Jersey State Attorney General Matthew Platkin, the prosecution of Witten exemplifies a firm commitment to justice for victims and a dedication to holding accountable those who exploit their trusted positions for personal gain. The ramifications of her deceit extend beyond financial loss; they also shake public confidence in nonprofit governance.

Prosecutors detailed how Witten manipulated corporate board meeting minutes to illegitimately authorize the opening of a company bank account. This account became the conduit through which she siphoned large sums of money from May 2019 to March 2024. Witten attempted to mask her fraudulent activities by laundering the stolen funds through checks issued to a landscaping business co-owned with her husband.

In a related development, Witten’s husband, Allan, also faced legal consequences for his involvement in the operation. He pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property after accepting payments from the nonprofit for services that were never rendered. Allan Witten received a three-year sentence in state prison, underscoring the collaborative nature of their criminal activities.

The case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of financial transparency and accountability in the nonprofit sector, which relies heavily on the trust of the community and its stakeholders. As this situation unfolds, it reinforces the need for robust measures to prevent similar abuses in the future, ensuring that organizations can faithfully serve their missions without the shadow of financial impropriety.

The repercussions of this case will likely reverberate through the nonprofit community, prompting a reevaluation of best practices and oversight protocols to safeguard against potential malfeasance.

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