"A former executive of a nonprofit camp for children with serious medical conditions is accused of embezzling more than $5 million from the organization and tampering with computer records to hide his crimes, according to prosecutors. Lake Hughes-based organization the Painted Turtle, co-founded by actor Paul Newman in 1999, is a year-round camp that offers free programming for children struggling with medical challenges and relies on donations from individuals, corporations and foundations."
"Offering outdoor activities and in-hospital games, the Painted Turtle describes itself as place where youth with life-threatening and chronic illnesses can "sing, dance, laugh, grow and discover their potential." In a statement released Monday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office said former Painted Turtle chief executive Christopher L. Butler faces 15 felony counts, including grand theft and fraud. If convicted on all charges, Butler could serve more than 18 years in prison."
Christopher L. Butler allegedly embezzled $5.2 million from the Painted Turtle over a seven-year tenure while tampering with computer records to conceal the scheme. The Painted Turtle, co-founded by Paul Newman in 1999 and based in Lake Hughes, operates a year-round camp offering free programming for children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses and relies on donations. Butler served as controller and chief executive, a role prosecutors say allowed him to hide the embezzlement. A successor controller reported irregularities after Butler departed around July. The Los Angeles County District Attorney filed charges in late December; Butler faces 15 felony counts including grand theft and fraud and could face more than 18 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
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