Finance Director Sentenced to Prison After Embezzling $320,000 from Non-Profit Organization

A story of betrayal unfolded in Washington, D.C., as a former finance director of a respected nonprofit organization was sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating a large-scale embezzlement scheme that drained nearly $320,000 from the group’s coffers.

A Position of Trust Turned into a Gateway for Theft

Jarrett Robert Lewis, 44, once held a position of significant responsibility as the Director of Finance for a nonprofit advocacy organization operating in the District of Columbia. Between June 2021 and October 2022, Lewis was entrusted with managing financial operations and had full access to the organization’s bank accounts and credit facilities.

However, instead of safeguarding the nonprofit’s resources, he exploited his role for personal gain.

How the Scheme Unfolded

According to official records, Lewis manipulated his access to transfer funds from the organization’s bank account into his personal account on 32 separate occasions. These unauthorized transactions were disguised as legitimate payments but were instead used for personal expenses.

Adding to the misuse, Lewis utilized a company-issued credit card to fund lavish travel for himself, his family, and friends. These included luxury accommodations and flights—expenses that had nothing to do with the organization’s mission or operations.

Legal Consequences

Following a thorough investigation, Lewis pleaded guilty to wire fraud in early 2025. His fraudulent activities caught up with him when he was arrested on September 5, 2024.

In a federal court ruling, Lewis was sentenced to 27 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He has also been ordered to:

Pay $318,000 in restitution to the nonprofit

Reimburse $53,335 in legal expenses incurred by the organization

A Wake-Up Call for Nonprofits

The case has stirred discussions in nonprofit circles about internal controls, financial oversight, and the importance of safeguarding donor funds. While Lewis’s conviction brings a sense of justice, it also underscores the vulnerabilities that nonprofits can face when internal checks are insufficient.

Final Thoughts

Lewis’s fall from a position of trust to a prison sentence serves as a harsh reminder of how financial integrity must be non-negotiable—especially in organizations that exist to serve the community. This case is not just about numbers and accounts, but about a breach of ethics that affects the very fabric of public trust in charitable institutions.