UPDATE: A former nonprofit executive in the St. Louis area has been convicted of stealing $11 million meant to feed low-income children. On October 26, 2023, a federal jury found Connie Bobo, 46, of St. Charles, guilty of multiple fraud charges, raising urgent concerns about accountability in nonprofit management.
Bobo, who once led the New Heights Community Resource Center, was convicted on three counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and charges related to obstruction of justice. The jury’s decision comes after a lengthy investigation into her activities, which spanned from February 2019 to March 2022.
The indictment revealed shocking details: Bobo falsely claimed to have provided over 3 million meals to children in the St. Louis region, meals that were never actually delivered. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services had funneled around $11 million to Bobo under the assumption that these meals were being served, a blatant misuse of funds intended for vulnerable communities.
Bobo reportedly diverted approximately $4.3 million for her personal use, including a $1 million home and a $2.2 million investment in commercial real estate. These revelations have sparked outrage and concern over the oversight of nonprofit organizations funded by taxpayer dollars.
“Nonprofits must adhere to strict management standards to ensure that funds are used appropriately,” stated a spokesperson from the Missouri DHSS. The agency requires all nonprofits to submit detailed budgets and management plans to maintain transparency and accountability.
Bobo’s sentencing hearing is set for January 29, 2026. Each wire fraud and obstruction charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. The aggravated identity theft charge could add another two years, served consecutively.
As this case unfolds, it shines a light on the critical need for vigilant oversight of organizations entrusted with public funds. The impact on the community, particularly on the children who were meant to benefit from these programs, is profound and raises questions about future funding and trust in similar nonprofits.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor the legal proceedings and their implications for nonprofit governance in the region.
