Ex-director admits stealing from CAVA

CANTON — The former executive director of Citizens Against Violent Acts was arrested and pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing $25,500 from the nonprofit agency.

Carrie L. Whalen entered a plea in Village Court before Judge Michael C. Crowe to a reduced charge of misdemeanor petit larceny. She was arrested by state police before court on fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony.

"I'd like to say I'm sorry for what I did," Ms. Whalen said before sentencing.

She was accused of stealing the money from March 2007 to December 2008, using more than $14,500 to pay for purchases including equestrian equipment, hotel rooms, clothing and food for her own use, court documents show. She also paid herself $6,000 more than alloted for coordinating a CAVA program funded by a state grant.

She was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge and ordered not to volunteer or work for a nonprofit agency for the next year. Ms. Whalen, who cried at times during the 25-minute hearing, also paid $11,728.23 in restitution. She had paid $13,771.77 back to CAVA between Feb. 4 and March 17.

The state attorney general's office had been investigating CAVA, formed in 1982 to help sex-crime victims in St. Lawrence County. The office started a financial review after allegations of missing funds surfaced in mid-March.

Deanna R. Nelson, an assistant attorney general in charge of the Watertown regional office, prosecuted the case.

"This nonprofit was used as a piggy bank for personal gain," Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo said in a statement. "Organizations like CAVA provide an invaluable service to the community, and this individual took advantage of her position and the public's trust."

CAVA is funded through several sources, including the state Crime Victims Board, St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services, United Way, St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau and contributions.

The group's 2007 financial statement, filed in November with the state attorney general's office, says it received $300,859 in government grants. Ms. Whelan's salary was $56,139.

CAVA officials didn't return a call for comment Tuesday. Defense attorney Peter A. Dumas and Ms. Whalen declined comment after the hearing.