Kyra Worthy, the former executive director of the now-defunct San Francisco nonprofit SF SAFE, was arrested on Tuesday on dozens of felony charges related to the alleged misuse of over $700,000 in public funds. Charges against Worthy include misappropriation of public money, grand theft by embezzlement, submitting fraudulent invoices, wage theft, and writing fraudulent checks. The investigation revealed that Worthy misspent grant funds on expenses like luxury gift boxes, a Lake Tahoe trip, parking fees, permits, ride-hailing services, and a holiday party totaling nearly $136,000.
David Gelman, former prosecutor and CEO of Gelman Law, believes the case could involve federal government intervention due to Worthy taking money from various federal entities. Gelman also pointed out the lack of oversight that allowed Worthy to commit embezzlement and fraud as the executive director of the nonprofit. Worthy allegedly used more than $100,000 of SF SAFE funds for personal use during her tenure, causing the nonprofit to shut down with no assets in January 2024. Gelman emphasized the negative impact of financial mismanagement on charities and individuals in need, stating that there are no winners in this situation.
Nicole Castronovo, a criminal defense attorney, echoed Gelman’s sentiments, noting the legitimacy and longstanding history of the charity which collaborated with the San Francisco Police Department. The complaint against Worthy revealed that she stopped paying payroll taxes for 27 employees from September 2023 to January 2024, resulting in wage theft totaling about $80,000. Additionally, Worthy received over $500,000 in public funds from the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, which she allegedly never paid to employees of partner organizations. Castronovo emphasized the detrimental impact of Worthy’s actions on those who were supposed to benefit from the funds.
The investigation into Worthy’s alleged financial misconduct is ongoing, and the Public Integrity Task Force has urged individuals with information to come forward. The case highlights the need for proper oversight and accountability within nonprofit organizations to prevent such incidents of misappropriation and fraud. Worthy’s arrest and the subsequent closure of SF SAFE have left many questioning the integrity of charitable organizations and the impact of financial crimes on those in need. Gelman and Castronovo both expressed sadness over the situation and emphasized the importance of ensuring that funds intended for charitable purposes reach their intended beneficiaries.
Worthy’s charges encompass a wide range of financial crimes, from misappropriation of public funds to wage theft, which collectively amount to over $700,000. The misuse of grant funds on personal expenses and lavish events like a holiday party highlights the disregard for ethical and legal standards in managing nonprofit finances. Gelman stressed the devastating consequences of Worthy’s actions on both the charity itself and the individuals who were meant to benefit from its programs. The ongoing investigation and potential involvement of federal authorities underscore the seriousness of the case and the need for justice to be served.
In conclusion, Kyra Worthy’s arrest for financial crimes related to her tenure as the executive director of SF SAFE has raised concerns about accountability and oversight in nonprofit organizations. The misuse of over $700,000 in public funds for personal expenses and fraudulent activities has led to the closure of the nonprofit and significant financial losses for employees and partner organizations. Gelman and Castronovo have expressed dismay over the impact of Worthy’s actions on charities and individuals in need, calling for increased vigilance and transparency in managing charitable funds. As the investigation continues, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of ethical conduct and responsible financial management in the nonprofit sector.
