(Source: www.tristatehomepage.com)
On Monday, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced that the former Echo Housing Corporation Executive Director Stephanie Tenbarge was indicted on three counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.

Tenbarge, 71, was arrested Monday and will appear before a federal magistrate judge for her initial appearance.

Click here to read the indictment.

Tenbarge was accused in 2018 of misusing the non-profit’s money and she stepped down from her position.

Echo Housing is a non-profit organization based in Evansville that aims to create and sustain safe and affordable housing, supportive services, and promote community development for homeless people, children, and veterans.

“The public deserves better from officials in positions of trust,” said Minkler. “When public officials line their pockets with taxpayer dollars intended for homeless men, women, children, and veterans, they should expect the scrutiny of state and federal law enforcement and the necessarily harsh consequences that follow. The Evansville community deserves better from the public officials they trust with taxpayer dollars. This office intends to hold those who abuse their position of trust accountable.”  

Minkler said Tenbarge maintained and controlled Echo’s checking accounts during her time as executive director, having the ability to direct funds from the organization’s accounts to herself and other individuals.

From January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017, Tenbarge allegedly embezzled funds to make unauthorized payments to herself by paying for personal goods, services, property taxes, and issuing unauthorized payroll checks to herself......