BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A co-founder and former president of homeless advocacy group HomesNOW! was arrested for allegedly embezzling over $75,000 from the organization.
Bellingham Police began investigating a month ago when they were advised that a governing member of the nonprofit may be stealing funds.
Lieutenant Claudia Murphy says police checked bank records and determined that many transactions made by HomesNOW! co-founder Jim Peterson were for personal use.
The BPD reports he allegedly spent more than $12,000 on fast food alone.
Money was also spent at casinos, marijuana and liquor stores, and gas stations.
Peterson was arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail on Friday.
HomesNOW! continues to operate a tiny home encampment for the homeless in Fairhaven under a permit with the city.