Former Make-A-Wish CEO pleads guilty to embezzling tens of thousands in foundation funds

Urbandale, Iowa – The ex-CEO of a Make-A-Wish chapter in Iowa has pleaded guilty to embezzling around $41,000 from the organization for sick kids.

Former Make-A-Wish Iowa CEO Jennifer Woodley pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $41,000 from the foundation (stock image).
Former Make-A-Wish Iowa CEO Jennifer Woodley pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $41,000 from the foundation (stock image).  © 123RF/AlexKalina

Jennifer Woodley (40) was the former head of the Iowa branch of Make-A-Wish, a charity that helps fulfill the wishes of critically ill children. She was fired last summer after financial irregularities were discovered during an internal investigation, according to the Associated Press.

Now, she had pleaded guilty to three felony charges, including two counts of first-degree theft and one count of fraudulent practices.

She admitted to using a Make-A-Wish credit card to make unauthorized purchases. She also gave herself a bonus and salary increases and misreported those expenses on foundation records.

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The embezzlement, which took place over one year, reached a total of almost $41,000, according to court documents.

In January, Woodley turned herself in and was later released on bond. Jail records show she is currently living in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Woodley will face a hearing on July 20, where her attorney hopes to secure a deferred judgment.

If the deferred judgment is granted, Woodley would have the opportunity to have the charges removed from her record, so long as she completes her probation and any other requirements outlined in her sentence.

Cover photo: 123RF/AlexKalina

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