A former operations director for a San Francisco youth services nonprofit has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $241,000. Athena Harven, 56, admitted to diverting funds from the organization, known as TURF, between 2015 and 2018. The misappropriated money was used for a variety of personal expenses, including shopping, dining, travel, and even business costs for her bakery.
Key Takeaways
- Athena Harven pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud.
- She stole at least $241,192.34 from the nonprofit TURF.
- The funds were used for personal expenses and business costs.
- Harven attempted to blame the executive director for the embezzlement.
- The nonprofit was forced to close permanently due to the fraud.
Embezzlement Scheme Detailed
Harven, who served as the operations director for Together, United, Recommitted, Forever (TURF), exploited her access to the organization’s bank accounts. Prosecutors stated she wrote at least 102 checks to herself, totaling more than $241,000, over a three-year period. To conceal her actions, Harven forged the signature of TURF’s executive director and falsely indicated on many checks that the payments were for "payroll taxes."
Personal and Business Use of Funds
In her plea agreement, Harven detailed how she spent the stolen funds. Her expenditures included groceries, gas, rent, utilities, clothing, restaurant meals, online purchases, and travel, including trips to casinos in Las Vegas. She also admitted to using TURF funds to cover business expenses for her bakery, such as a trip to the SoFlo Cake & Candy Expo in Miami and rent for her business premises.
Deception and Consequences
Beyond the direct theft, Harven also attempted to deceive the nonprofit’s external accountants when they inquired about the alleged payroll tax payments. She admitted to intercepting and hiding communications from the state of California regarding the nonprofit’s outstanding payroll tax obligations. When confronted by TURF’s leadership, Harven reportedly tried to shift blame to the executive director, Kim Mitchell, claiming he had instructed her to embezzle the funds.
The fallout from Harven’s actions was severe, leading to the permanent closure of the TURF nonprofit. Harven faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, substantial fines, and will be required to pay restitution of at least $241,000.
Sources
- Former SF nonprofit leader pleads guilty to embezzling $241,000, San Francisco Chronicle.
- Nonprofit addresses embezzlement charges – Washington Daily News, Washington Daily News.
