PLAISTOW, N.H. — The vulnerability of local nonprofit sports and community organizations to theft of membership funds by officers who handle the money was underscored Tuesday in a New Hampshire courtroom.
Alan Colby, 52, treasurer of the local fish and game club, was convicted by a jury of six felony theft charges stemming from the embezzlement of $104,000 over two years.
Prosecutors said Colby transferred more than $200,000 from the club's account to his construction company's bank account from mid-2008 to mid-2010, but repaid $100,000 after questions were raised.
Colby, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, said he considered the money a loan to help get his struggling company back on its feet. But he also admitted he was not authorized to borrow the money.
Club members said he was one of the most liked and trusted members of the organization. He now faces 7 1/2 to 15 years in prison on each of the six charges.
Community nonprofit groups are required to annually file a financial report with the federal government, but often the information provided is general because of the casual arrangement that often exist between longtime friends.
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Details for this story were provided by The Eagle-Tribune, North Andover, Mass.
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