Keane Sims, Felony Fraud, Washington District of Columbia 2022

A brazen scheme to defraud a Washington D.C. nonprofit organization has landed a Camp Springs, Maryland resident in hot water. Keane Sims, 28, was ordered to pay $30,000 restitution and serve five years of probation for her role in diverting funds from the Friends Community on National Legislation.

The crime, which took place in July and August 2018, saw Sims, an accountant for the organization, make 12 fraudulent transfers from the nonprofit’s accounts to her own personal bank accounts. The total amount stolen was a whopping $40,000, a sum she attempted to conceal by manipulating vendor payee information.

As the chief financial officer of the organization, Sims had unfettered access to the nonprofit’s accounting and cash management systems. She exploited this trust to embezzle funds and then cover her tracks. The scheme was uncovered, and Sims was subsequently charged with second-degree felony fraud.

In December 2022, Sims pleaded guilty to the charges, and on [no date given], the Honorable Neal E. Kravitz handed down a sentence that reflects the severity of her actions. In addition to the $30,000 restitution, Sims was also ordered to serve six months of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Robert J. Contee III of the Metropolitan Police Department commended the efforts of the investigators who worked tirelessly to bring Sims to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Kelly and Benjamin D. Bleiberg were also praised for their work in prosecuting the case.

The nonprofit organization, Friends Community on National Legislation, was left reeling from the financial loss. However, with the perpetrator brought to account, the community can begin to heal and rebuild. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in the nonprofit sector.

As the investigation and prosecution of Sims’ crimes demonstrate, there are consequences for those who seek to defraud the public trust. The people of Washington D.C. can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served in this case.

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