charity boss spent $10 million taxpayer cash meant to feed poor children
A Missouri-based charity boss, Connie Bobo, has been indicted for allegedly misappropriating about US $10 million of taxpayer funds intended to provide meals for low-income children.
Federal prosecutors say that between February 2019 and March 2022, Bobo’s organisation — New Heights Community Resource Center in Bridgeton, Missouri — claimed to have distributed millions of meals under U.S. Department of Agriculture–funded child-nutrition programmes. According to the indictment, the charity submitted reimbursement claims of approximately $11 million even though fewer than half of the meals were actually provided.
Instead of allocating the money to feeding children in need, investigators allege that Bobo purchased multiple luxury properties, invested in commercial real estate, and gifted about $1.4 million to her partner—who in turn reportedly bought a high-end yellow Mercedes-Benz.
The indictment also states that Bobo attempted to cover her tracks by using forged vendor invoices, diverting funds through relatives, and naming friends and family as board members of the non-profit without their knowledge.
Bobo has been charged with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and obstruction of an official proceeding. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison, and prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of the assets purchased with the misused funds.
