In a shocking turn of events, the former vice president of business and finance at the Goodman Community Center in Madison, Wisconsin, has been accused of misusing over $600,000 of the organization's funds for personal expenses. Dewayne Powell, 42, now faces multiple charges including forgery and theft. The criminal complaint, spanning 62 pages, details an extensive investigation by the Madison Police Department that uncovered a pattern of unauthorized expenditures using Goodman Center credit cards. The allegations include frequent visits to casinos, luxury travel, and everyday purchases, raising serious concerns about financial oversight within the organization. The incident has prompted the Goodman Community Center to reassess its internal policies to prevent future misconduct.
Detailed Investigation Unveils Extensive Misuse of Funds
In the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, a thorough investigation into financial discrepancies at the Goodman Community Center has revealed a disturbing pattern of misuse by a high-ranking official. Dewayne Powell, who served as the vice president of business and finance, allegedly diverted over $602,000 of the organization’s funds for his own benefit since 2021. The probe, initiated after a bank flagged suspicious activity, uncovered that Powell used four separate credit cards and checks to make unauthorized purchases.
The investigation found that Powell frequented Ho-Chunk Gaming in Madison and Baraboo more than 200 times over four years, often making cash advances. He also indulged in numerous fast-food meals, purchased tickets to entertainment events like Disney on Ice and Milwaukee Bucks games, and booked trips to popular destinations such as the Wisconsin Dells. Additionally, he made Venmo payments to loved ones, bought flowers on special occasions, and even covered his monthly rent and cable bills with company funds.
The scandal came to light on June 12, 2024, when a Goodman Center employee noticed irregularities involving two checks totaling $900 payable to Powell. Following this discovery, Powell was terminated on June 24, 2024. When questioned by police, Powell initially claimed that the discrepancies were due to a compromised card or his need to refill the ATM at the center, but these explanations were later debunked by further audits.
Powell’s actions have led to severe legal consequences. If convicted, he faces up to 12-and-a-half years in prison for each of the two most serious theft charges, along with substantial fines. The Goodman Community Center has since issued a statement expressing their dismay and assuring the public that they have implemented new financial safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As a community organization with a 70-year legacy, the Goodman Community Center emphasized that they remain committed to serving their families and rebuilding trust. They assured supporters that no grant money or restricted donor funding was misused in this case.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent financial controls and transparency in nonprofit organizations. It underscores the need for robust oversight mechanisms to protect both the integrity of the institution and the trust of its donors. The Goodman Community Center’s swift response to this crisis demonstrates their dedication to accountability and reform, ensuring that such breaches do not undermine their mission and values.