Chicago —(ENEWSPF)—April 13, 2015. Attorney General Lisa Madigan today announced charges against the former executive director of a Chicago-based charity for stealing funds of a charitable organization that was created to help low-income families avoid foreclosure.
Rudolph Harper, 63, of Chicago, was charged in Cook County Criminal Court with one count of theft over $100,000 and one count of personal use of charitable trust funds. Madigan alleges that as executive director of Organization of New City, Harper used thousands of dollars of the charity’s donations for personal gain. Organization of New City was created to help low-income homeowners stay current on their mortgages to help avoid foreclosure.
“The defendant betrayed the charitable mission of this organization, allegedly choosing to enrich himself by stealing from donors who made contributions and the families who rely on the organization’s services,” Madigan said.
Harper’s next court appearance is May 28, 2015. The case was investigated by Madigan’s office. Assistant Attorney General Edward Snow is handling the case for Madigan’s Financial Crimes Bureau.
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
