Shocking Embezzlement: Habitat for Humanity's Finance Director Steals Over $500K

Imagine trusting someone to handle your money and then finding out they've taken half a million dollars for themselves. That's exactly what happened at Habitat for Humanity of Central South Carolina. Ashley Clark Ingram, who was the director of finance and operations, pleaded guilty to stealing government funds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she applied for an employee retention tax credit without telling the nonprofit. This tax credit is meant to help businesses keep their employees during tough times.

Ingram started receiving checks from the U.S. Treasury, which she deposited into a Habitat for Humanity account she controlled. Then, she transferred the money to her personal bank accounts. This isn't just a little mistake—we're talking about over $500,000! Ingram could face up to ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The sentencing will happen after U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis reviews a report from the U.S. Probation Office.

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