"Christopher L. Butler, 49, of Porter Ranch, California, is expected to be arraigned Thursday in Los Angeles. 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."
"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."
""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.""
Christopher L. Butler, 49, of Porter Ranch, California, has been charged with 15 felonies alleging he embezzled more than $5.2 million from The Painted Turtle over seven years. Prosecutors say Butler worked at the Lake Hughes, California nonprofit from 2018 until the summer of 2025 and at times served as the organization's controller. Prosecutors allege he embezzled hundreds of thousands annually and attempted to conceal the theft by modifying or deleting computer records. The Painted Turtle provides free programs for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses and relies on donations as part of Newman’s SeriousFun Children's Network. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman vowed to hold him fully accountable.
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