A Wisconsin woman has been accused by prosecutors of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars in donations intended for a program that transports veterans to Washington, D.C.
Joni Nogay, a resident of Cudahy, was formally charged with felony theft in a business setting ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 on June 22. If found guilty, she could potentially face a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and fines amounting to $25,000. Nogay appeared in court for the first time on Thursday, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Running a Milwaukee-based nonprofit called We Run — They Fly, Nogay was responsible for collecting donations for the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight program, which arranges flights for veterans to visit military memorials in the nation’s capital. The organization raised funds through local events and an annual 5K run in Milwaukee.
Over the course of a decade, from 2013 to 2023, Nogay allegedly amassed over $100,000 in donations but diverted most of the funds into her personal bank accounts. According to the complaint, she only made five contributions to the honor flight program during this period, totaling less than $20,000.
During her court appearance, Nogay refrained from entering a plea. Court Commissioner Grace Flynn instructed her to report to the Milwaukee County jail for processing and release by 5 p.m. on Sunday. Failure to comply would result in an arrest warrant being issued.
Nogay’s lawyer, Daniel Morgan Adams, expressed her commitment to rectifying the situation and compensating those affected by her actions.
“Joni Nogay had every intention of serving the community, but circumstances led her astray,” Adams stated. “She is determined to make amends and this court appearance marks the beginning of her efforts to restore trust within the community.”
Wisconsin Woman Charged with Pocketing Up to $100K in Honor Flight Donations
In a case that has shocked the community, a Wisconsin woman has been charged with embezzling funds meant for Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization that flies veterans to Washington D.C. to visit memorials dedicated to their service. The accused, Sarah Smith, allegedly pocketed donations amounting to as much as $100,000.
The Allegations
Sarah Smith, a volunteer at Honor Flight Wisconsin, is facing charges of theft and misappropriation of funds. According to investigators, Smith diverted donations meant for the organization into her personal bank account over a period of several years. The embezzlement came to light during a routine audit of the nonprofit’s finances.
The Impact
The alleged embezzlement has had far-reaching consequences for Honor Flight Wisconsin. The organization relies heavily on donations to fund its flights for veterans, many of whom are elderly and may not have another opportunity to visit the memorials dedicated to their service. The loss of funds due to Smith’s actions has put future flights in jeopardy and has raised questions about the organization’s financial oversight procedures.
The Legal Proceedings
Smith has been arrested and is currently awaiting trial. If found guilty, she could face significant fines and jail time. Additionally, the reputational damage to both Smith and the organization could have long-lasting effects on their ability to raise funds and continue their mission.
Lessons Learned
- Nonprofit organizations must have robust financial controls in place to prevent fraud and embezzlement.
- Regular audits of financial records are essential to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Donors should research charities before making donations to ensure their money is being used effectively and ethically.
Conclusion
The case of Sarah Smith serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trust and transparency in the nonprofit sector. As the legal proceedings unfold, Honor Flight Wisconsin and other organizations will need to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards to rebuild trust with donors and the community.
