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Connie Bobo, the executive director of the New Heights Community Resource Center in Bridgeton, Missouri, is facing serious allegations of fraud. According to federal prosecutors, Bobo allegedly embezzled $10 million intended to provide meals for low-income children and used the funds for personal luxuries, including mansions and a luxury car.
Bobo, 46, enrolled her nonprofit in two U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded programs designed to reimburse organizations for distributing food to needy children. Prosecutors claim that between February 2019 and March 2022, Bobo falsely reported serving over three million meals, leading the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to pay New Heights approximately $11 million.
The indictment alleges that Bobo spent $4.3 million on a home for herself, other properties for relatives, and a $2.2 million commercial real estate investment. She also reportedly gave $1.4 million to her romantic partner, who used part of the money to buy a 2017 Mercedes-Benz G550 Wagon. The indictment seeks the forfeiture of these assets.
Bobo faces multiple charges, including wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. She is accused of submitting false management plans and forging documents to cover her tracks. U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming emphasized the seriousness of exploiting programs meant for needy children, especially during the pandemic.
Bobo was offered a plea deal several weeks ago, but instead opted to go to trial. The trial, which began on Tuesday (October 21), is expected to last just over a week.