July 20, 2015
A man was sentenced to prison Monday for stealing thousands of dollars in funds from a Philadelphia nonprofit that helps the homeless.
Nathaniel Robinson, 62, pleaded guilty in March to stealing from a program that receives federal funds.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Robinson used his corporate credit card from 2006 to 2010 to pay for $154,050 in personal expenses while serving as chief program officer for SELF, an organization dedicated to helping the homeless and those with behavioral challenges.
Those purchases included tickets to amusement parks, dining, travel, lodging and car repairs. Robinson reimbursed $2,594.30 before his employment was terminated.
Philadelphia Inspector General Amy Kurland, whose office was originally tipped off about Robinson's activities, said after his guilty plea in March that misappropriated taxpayer funds would not be tolerated, something that was particularly important in this case because the funds were intended for Philadelphians most in need.
Robinson was sentenced to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and he must pay $151,455 in restitution.
