BREAKING: A former nonprofit leader in the St. Louis area has been convicted of stealing $11 million from a program designed to feed low-income children. This shocking verdict was delivered by a federal jury on Thursday, finding Connie Bobo, 46, guilty of multiple charges including wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Bobo, who served as the executive director of the New Heights Community Resource Center, misappropriated funds intended to provide meals for vulnerable children in the region. The jury’s decision reveals a pattern of deceitful actions that took place between February 2019 and March 2022, during which Bobo falsely claimed to have served at least three million meals to children.
The indictment, which has surfaced following a two-year investigation, disclosed that Bobo received approximately $11 million from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for meals that were never actually purchased or served. Disturbingly, around $4.3 million of these funds were spent on personal expenses, including a lavish $1 million home and a $2.2 million investment in commercial real estate.
Authorities confirmed that Bobo engaged in extensive fraudulent activities, including submitting fabricated management plans and forging invoices to misrepresent food purchases. These actions not only violated trust but also deprived countless children of necessary nutrition.
The ramifications of this conviction extend beyond financial loss. The community, which relies on such programs for the well-being of its children, faces a significant setback. Nonprofits like New Heights are mandated to uphold strict management standards, ensuring the proper use of taxpayer funds.
Bobo is set to face sentencing on January 29, 2026. The charges against her could result in severe penalties, with wire fraud and obstruction carrying up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. The aggravated identity theft charge could add another two years to her sentence.
As this story continues to evolve, the community is left grappling with the fallout of this betrayal. Local leaders are urged to reinforce the integrity and transparency of programs aimed at helping those in need to prevent such egregious theft from occurring again.
