January 24, 2012 Volunteer coordinator for Empty Cradle charged with embezzlement www.privateofficer.com
EL CAJON, Calif. Jan 24 2012– A member of a nonprofit group for grieving families spoke with 10News on Sunday after a former volunteer was accused of stealing from the group.
Elizabeth Lower is accused of embezzling about $25,000 from Empty Cradle, a Temecula-based nonprofit that helps families deal with a miscarriage, stillbirth or the loss of an infant.
Suzanne Wells, the volunteer coordinator for Empty Cradle, said Lowers went to the group and asked for help as she dealt with the loss of her 6-month-old daughter Madeline to SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome.
“She just seemed to be struggling with her grief so when she offered to volunteer, we thought that was great,” said Wells.
Wells said Lower helped set up meetings before she stepped into the open treasurer position.
“The bills we had were being paid, so there were no red flags,” said Wells.
A year ago, Wells said Lower became difficult to reach after a bill that was supposed to be paid was not. Eventually, the group took a closer look and realized all of their money – more than between $25,000 and $30,000 – was missing from their accounts.
“It’s literally everything,” said Wells. “It’s money people donated.”
Lower was arrested at her El Cajon apartment on Thursday. Her arrest has sparked questions about how much of the story of Madeline’s death is true.
“I hope we find out during the investigation but of course, we all have those questions,” said Wells.
Lower’s mother, who lives at the same apartment as her, told 10News that her granddaughter died of SIDS.
“I was there,” said Lower’s mother. ” … As for the charges, my daughter is innocent. That’s all I have to say.”
Meanwhile, Empty Cradle admitted they were too trusting but said they never saw it coming.
“It’s a personal betrayal,” said Wells. “There’s a sense that this person is not who we thought she was.”
Wells said the organization is limited to all but core services. She also said they are planning new policies on the way money is handled.
Lower will be arraigned in Riverside on Monday.
Source:10News.com
Tags: Elizabeth Lower, Volunteer coordinator for Empty Cradle charged with embezzlement
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