2 accused of taking up to $200K from caregivers

Published 2:46 pm Wednesday, April 18, 2012

SEATTLE — Two men are accused of embezzling up to $200,000 from a city caregiver program.

KOMO reported prosecutors have charged 38-year-old Gregory M. Townsend of Seattle with 23 counts of theft. Thirty-six-year-old Arthur D. Wheeler of Tukwila faces the same charges. Wheeler is accused of helping Townsend cash fraudulent checks.

A whistleblower’s complaint prompted the investigation by the state auditor that uncovered the suspected wrongdoings.

According to the auditor’s report, Townsend worked for a nonprofit agency contracted to run a program that provides aid to seniors caring for their grandchildren. The aid is given in various forms, including food, clothes, tutoring and up to $1,500 per year in cash.

Investigators accuse Townsend of funneling money to a fake client and spending agency dollars on personal expenses.