A former CEO and IT director of Saint Francis Ministries has been arrested for scheming to steal nearly $5 million from the organization.
The indictment follows a two-year investigation into accusations of financial mismanagement that led to the dismissal of former CEO Robert Smith and former IT Director William Whymar.
A federal grand jury has indicted the former CEO and IT director of Saint Francis Ministries for scheming to defraud the foster care provider of at least $4.7 million in fake invoices #ksleg https://t.co/Sl91apDzvZ
— Sherman Smith (@sherman_news) November 11, 2022
Prosecutors said that Smith approved fake invoices submitted by Whymark that inflated the actual cost of providing IT services. The former CEO received a previously undisclosed $50,000 kickback disguised as an authorized invoice and also used company credit cards to pay for personal expenses, including cash withdrawals, clothing, and jewelry.
A federal grand jury on Monday indicted Smith and Whymark for wire fraud, money laundering, and other charges of fraud.
If convicted, they would face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years in federal prison, in addition to fines and restitution.
Nathan Paulus, a foster parent and the co-founder of Foster ICT, said that the case is a big blow to foster care organizations.
“When you’re dealing with people’s lives, the magnitude is of greatest importance. And when we’re dealing with children’s lives, it goes up even higher,” Paulus said. “Who suffers with that is foster parents, and foster kids, ultimately. Because when the foster parents don’t feel resourced, then the kids get the short end of the stick.”
Saint Francis Ministries is the largest foster care contractor in Kansas, providing services for Wichita and the western two-thirds of the state. The company issued a statement following the indictment, saying:
“Saint Francis Ministries has learned of a federal indictment against former CEO and President Rev. Robert N. Smith and former IT Director William Whymark. As the case moves forward, Saint Francis will continue to work transparently and collaboratively with federal authorities as part of the investigative process. We appreciate the diligence exhibited in the pursuit of justice by all parties,” the statement read.
In September 2020, Smith published a 9-minute audio recording talking about the history of the foster care organization.
“As someone who cares about the mission of Saint Francis Ministries, you are part of our story,” said Smith. “A sacred story about trust, and the unrelenting pursuit of justice.”
