Former Crimestoppers Director Charged with Embezzlement

The former Executive Director, Carlee Hooper, turned herself in today on a 4th degree Felony Warrant for Embezzlement and a 4th degree Felony Warrant for Tampering with Evidence.

From the San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office:

In recent weeks, the San Juan County Crime Stoppers Board of Directors approached our Detectives Division for assistance with discrepancies in their financial statements. During the investigation, bank statements and financial statements were acquired for a two-and-a-half-year period. Detectives have located over $2300.00 in unreported charges made by the Executive Director, including personal purchases and ATM cash withdraws. The former Executive Director, Carlee Hooper, turned herself in today on a 4^th degree Felony Warrant for Embezzlement and a 4^th degree Felony Warrant for Tampering with Evidence.

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office reached out to Judge Richard W. Carter (Ret.), Director of Legal Services with Crime Stoppers USA, and he stated the following:

"Over the approximately forty-two (42) years of success with the Crime Stoppers program, there have unfortunately been occasions where the Crime Stoppers charity itself has been the victim of crimes such as theft and embezzlement.  In those situations, it is important for the public to know that changes will be made to make Crime Stoppers less vulnerable to crimes; that no one who works with Crime Stoppers is above the law; and that Crime Stoppers ask that no mercy be extended to any criminal defendant who preys upon charities which depend upon citizen volunteers and charitable dollars.  Lastly, you CAN trust that information Crime Stoppers receives is protected and our promises of anonymity will be kept."