HOUSTON – The grimy details of a financial betrayal have emerged as 59-year-old Clifford Wayne Robertson, the former CEO and executive director of Castle Cares Community Ministry Inc. dba The Warrior’s Refuge, faces federal charges for misappropriating thousands in federal grant funding.
According to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, Robertson is accused of siphoning off a portion of the approximately $1.3 million awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and an additional $500,000 from the Department of Labor (DOL), both in 2020.
Robertson’s alleged actions are far more than a financial misstep; they’re a betrayal of trust in a nonprofit meant to serve veterans. The charges assert that during his time at the helm, Robertson submitted numerous applications for federal assistance, leading to substantial grant awards. However, it is claimed that he used these funds for personal gain and unrendered counseling services.
The information against him paints a picture of deliberate intent. It is alleged that Robertson embezzled the funds with knowledge and intention, using them for unauthorized personal expenditures rather than their intended purpose.
Should Robertson be found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The investigation into his actions was conducted by the VA – Office of Inspector General (OIG), DOL – OIG, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh is leading the prosecution.
As with any criminal charge, Robertson is presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process of law. His initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett has been scheduled for July 28 at 10 a.m.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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