MINNEAPOLIS - An employee at a Minneapolis-based non-profit stands charged with theft by swindle after allegedly siphoning more than $155,000 into his personal accounts.
Police say Nicholas James Collins was employed by Open Arms of Minnesota as the director of food services from 2009 to 2012. Open Arms is described as a non-profit company that serves as a caterer for various charities that deliver meals to homebound individuals.
Investigators say Collins entered into several contracts with charitable groups, provided those groups with meals and then fraudulently deposited the payments into his personal accounts.
They also maintain that Collins concealed his scheme by telling the directors of the organization that he was conducting a feasibility study on meal deliveries. He even provided the meal delivery charities with invoices on the non-profit organization letterheads.
The investigation into the alleged swindle began in February 2012, and included a forensic audit, verification of several unauthorized transactions, a review of financial documents, interviews and search warrants.
Collins is currently free after posting $35,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
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