Columbia, SC — A Columbia woman has been charged with embezzling thousands of dollars from a local nonprofit organization, authorities announced on Monday. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Lisa Montgomery, was arrested following an extensive investigation into missing funds from the Columbia Community Outreach Center, a nonprofit dedicated to providing aid to low-income families.
The arrest follows months of scrutiny into financial discrepancies that reportedly amounted to over $150,000 in misappropriated funds. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office confirmed that Montgomery, who served as the nonprofit’s financial coordinator, allegedly manipulated financial records and used the funds for personal expenses.
Investigation Unveils Financial Fraud
According to an official statement from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the investigation began after members of the nonprofit’s board raised concerns over unusual transactions. In early January, a routine audit revealed a series of unauthorized withdrawals, falsified invoices, and irregularities in financial statements.
“Montgomery had direct access to the nonprofit’s financial accounts, and she used her position to funnel money for personal use over a two-year period,” said SLED spokesperson Lt. Mark Davis. “She attempted to cover her tracks by altering records, but forensic accountants were able to trace the transactions.”
Authorities said Montgomery allegedly used the embezzled funds to cover personal expenses, including vacations, luxury shopping, and credit card payments. Investigators discovered that some of the stolen money had been transferred into personal bank accounts, while other amounts were spent on expensive household renovations.
Nonprofit Leaders Express Disappointment
Leaders at Columbia Community Outreach Center expressed shock and disappointment over the revelations. The organization, which has been a pillar of the community for over a decade, provides food, shelter, and job training programs for underserved residents.
“We are heartbroken by this betrayal,” said board chairperson Angela Foster. “We placed our trust in someone who we believed was committed to our mission. Instead, we are facing a financial crisis that could impact the services we provide to those in need.”
In response to the scandal, the nonprofit has launched an internal review of its financial oversight policies and has implemented stricter controls on financial transactions. Additionally, it has sought guidance from the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Division of Public Charities to ensure compliance with state financial regulations.
Legal Consequences and Charges
Montgomery faces multiple charges, including embezzlement of public funds, breach of trust with fraudulent intent, and forgery. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison under South Carolina state law.
During her initial court appearance on Monday, Montgomery pleaded not guilty and was released on a $50,000 bond. Her attorney, David Holloway, stated that Montgomery denies any wrongdoing and intends to fight the charges.
“We look forward to presenting our side of the case in court,” Holloway said. “There are complexities in this matter that we believe will shed a different light on the situation.”
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office has confirmed that additional investigations are underway to determine whether other individuals were involved in the financial misconduct.
Community and Donor Reactions
News of the embezzlement case has sparked outrage among donors and community members who have supported the nonprofit’s initiatives over the years. Many expressed concern about the impact this could have on the organization’s ability to provide aid.
“I’ve been donating to this nonprofit for years, and it’s devastating to hear that money meant for struggling families was stolen,” said Columbia resident and longtime donor Robert Jennings. “I hope justice is served, and I hope the organization can recover from this setback.”
Several corporate donors have also responded to the scandal by calling for greater transparency in the nonprofit’s financial operations. Some have temporarily suspended funding until a full audit is completed.
What’s Next for the Nonprofit?
Despite the challenges, Columbia Community Outreach Center remains determined to rebuild trust and continue its work in the community. The board has announced a new financial oversight committee to prevent future fraud and has assured the public that operations will continue without disruption.
“We won’t let this incident define us,” said Foster. “Our mission remains the same, and we are committed to restoring faith in our organization.”
Montgomery’s next court hearing is scheduled for April 15, where prosecutors are expected to present further evidence detailing the financial mismanagement. Meanwhile, local officials urge other nonprofits to review their financial controls and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
For more information on how South Carolina nonprofits can ensure financial accountability, visit the South Carolina Nonprofit Compliance Guidelines.
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