A recent federal indictment has brought to light accusations of a former Jackson Health Foundation COO, Charmaine Gatlin, allegedly running a scheme to embezzle from the nonprofit. The charges include allegations of Gatlin submitting false invoices and taking kickbacks to the tune of more than $1 million, misuse of funds for personal luxuries, and wire fraud, among others.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida unsealed the indictment, which claims that Gatlin designed the scheme to illicitly amass at least $3.6 million. Reportedly, this money was siphoned through fabricated invoices for goods and services that were either not provided or misappropriated for personal use. The indictment specifically mentions that Gatlin had instructed a vendor on how to falsify invoices to cover her tracks.
Among her personal indulgences, Gatlin is accused of purchasing designer handbags and a rose gold golf cart, with the latter delivered to her Florida home. This expenditure was disguised under the guise of foundation expenses, according to the indictment. Gatlin previously signed a conflict-of-interest document with Jackson Health Foundation, but the indictment details actions that would directly contravene this agreement.
Charmaine Gatlin, 52, is facing a slew of charges, including one count of wire fraud conspiracy, 26 counts of wire fraud, and five counts of money laundering. If convicted, the ramifications could result in up to 20 years of federal prison on each of the conspiracy and fraud counts, as well as up to 10 years for each money laundering count. Yet, despite the severity of these accusations, it's crucial to remember that an indictment is simply an allegation. Gatlin is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's announcement.
The case is under investigation by FBI Miami with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office assisting. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Young and G. Raemy Charest-Turken are prosecuting, with Charest-Turken also handling asset forfeiture. For more details, visit the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. The case is registered under the number 25-cr-20220.
