"Abusing a position of power to steal funds from a camp dedicated to helping children with serious medical conditions is an affront to both the law and our deepest values, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman wrote in a news release. My message is crystal clear: If you steal from the most vulnerable members of our community or the organizations that serve them, this office will use every tool the law allows to hold you fully accountable."
"According to the criminal complaint, Butler worked for The Painted Turtle from 2018 until the summer of 2025, and prosecutors say he embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars each year the total allegedly reaching about $5.2 million. He also served as the organization's controller for a time, according to the complaint, and prosecutors say he tried to hide evidence of the alleged crimes by modifying or deleting computer records."
"He is charged with embezzling funds from The Painted Turtle, one of many camps for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses co-founded by the late actor Newman. Like the other camps funded through Newman's SeriousFun Children's Network, the Lake Hughes, California-based Painted Turtle relies on donations and provides free programs, allowing campers to enjoy fun with other kids who have similar medical conditions."
Christopher L. Butler, 49, former CEO of The Painted Turtle, is charged with 15 felonies after prosecutors allege he embezzled about $5.2 million over seven years. The Painted Turtle, based in Lake Hughes, California, is one of the camps co-founded by Paul Newman within the SeriousFun Children's Network that provides free, donation-funded programs for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Prosecutors say Butler worked at the camp from 2018 until summer 2025, served as controller at times, and allegedly modified or deleted computer records to conceal the thefts. He is expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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