A Tulsa man known for running a nonprofit organization dedicated to distributing food to those in need is now facing serious federal charges. Victor Kensington Colbert, Jr., former head of the Oklahoma Heartland Heroes Foundation, is accused of committing bank fraud through misuse of COVID-19 relief funding.
Key Takeaways
- Victor Colbert, Jr. is accused of defrauding government pandemic relief programs.
- The nonprofit allegedly mishandled USDA food aid, leading to widespread waste.
- Multiple other parties claim financial loss or property damage linked to Colbert’s actions.
- Colbert faces up to 60 years in prison and millions in fines if convicted.
Allegations Surrounding Pandemic Relief Fund Misuse
Federal prosecutors allege that Colbert wrongfully obtained more than $217,000 in COVID-related loans by submitting at least five separate applications for CARES Act funds. The indictment claims Colbert exaggerated the size and payroll of his organization, at times falsely representing up to 21 employees and reporting a monthly payroll of $59,000. In reality, investigations found little evidence of a sizable staff.
Given that most COVID-era business loans were ultimately forgiven, the government closely scrutinized recipients for fraud. If found guilty, Colbert could face up to 60 years in federal prison and fines of up to $2 million.
Spoiled Food and Community Frustration
Colbert had claimed that his nonprofit fed thousands of Oklahomans each week, distributing food provided through USDA’s “Farmers to Families” program. However, local churches and property owners reported being left with rotting food, offensive odors, and trash on their grounds.
Among the complaints:
- Piles of spoiled dairy and meat products reportedly left outdoors for days.
- Churches unable to distribute donated food due to it being expired or inedible.
- Neighbors and property owners burdened with cleanup of wasted food and debris.
A north Tulsa church claimed Colbert wrongly placed blame on them for the conditions, while the USDA confirmed it stopped supplying the nonprofit after its investigation.
Financial Fallout for Local Organizations
Several institutions say they experienced significant losses after doing business with Colbert’s nonprofit:
| Organization | Amount Lost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sand Springs church | $6,700 | Paid for turkeys that were never delivered |
| Tulsa Dream Center | Nearly $29,000 | Paid up front for hams and turkeys, never received |
| Local property owners | Varies | Land left damaged and full of trash and spoiled food |
Despite court orders mandating restitution, only a fraction of the money was reportedly repaid before payments stopped. These financial issues led to additional legal action and arrest warrants at the state level prior to federal charges.
What Happens Next?
Colbert maintains his innocence, insisting his primary aim was to help feed those in need during a time of national crisis. However, with mounting evidence from both community leaders and federal investigators, his case now moves to federal court this November.
If convicted, this case could serve as a cautionary example of strict oversight surrounding pandemic relief funding and the consequences of misusing public resources intended for community support.
