Kirksville Shelter Director Accused of $173K Fraud

ST. LOUIS, MO – Kimberly LeBaron, 61, of Kirksville, Missouri, is facing federal charges after a grand jury indicted her on three counts of mail fraud on August 20, 2020. The indictment stems from allegations of systematic fraud committed while LeBaron served as Executive Director of Kirksville-based Victim Support Services (VSS).

LeBaron made her initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nannette A. Baker. The charges center around a scheme to defraud the Department of Justice, specifically related to grant funding obtained through the Victims of Crime Administrators program. VSS, ostensibly dedicated to providing shelter and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, allegedly became a vehicle for personal enrichment, according to the indictment.

Between January 2016 and June 30, 2018, LeBaron is accused of submitting invoices riddled with false information. The core of the fraud revolved around inflated numbers of shelter stays – a deliberate manipulation designed to secure more grant money. Sources close to the investigation indicate a particularly callous element to the scheme: VSS allegedly turned away genuine victims of domestic violence, claiming the shelter was full, while in reality, beds often sat empty.

The Department of Justice alleges that LeBaron’s deceptive practices resulted in approximately $173,000 in grant funds being improperly paid to VSS. This money, intended to support vulnerable individuals, was instead allegedly diverted through the fraudulent billing practices. The indictment paints a picture of a program administrator prioritizing financial gain over the needs of those she was sworn to serve.

If convicted on each count of mail fraud, LeBaron faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The investigation was a joint effort by the Department of Justice and the Office of Inspector General, highlighting the federal commitment to rooting out fraud within grant-funded programs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Box is prosecuting the case.

LeBaron is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the federal court system, bringing you the unvarnished truth about crime and corruption at all levels.