Tony Lynn Thornton, Sr., Theft of Government Property, Beaumont TX,…

BEAUMONT, Texas – Tony Lynn Thornton, Sr., a 53-year-old resident of Kountze, Texas, has pleaded guilty in federal court for his role in a fraudulent scheme involving the theft of government property, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Thornton, who was the executive director and board member of the Hardin County Disaster Recovery Alliance (HCDRA), is accused of diverting funds meant for hurricane relief to pay off his personal debts. According to court documents, Thornton wrote a fraudulent check from the HCDRA’s checking account, using it to settle his wife’s credit card debt without authority or benefit to the non-profit.

The HCDRA was chartered by the State of Texas with the mission of improving the conditions of hurricane victims, with priority given to the elderly, disabled, poor, and underprivileged. Thornton had control over the residential repair and renovation program, selecting contractors and handling payments.

In May 2007, Thornton’s wife incurred a charge on her credit card, which he later paid off using HCDRA funds. He faces up to one year in federal prison, a fine not exceeding $100,000, and restitution for his actions. The ATF is investigating the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Batte handling the prosecution.

Thornton’s guilty plea comes as a blow to the community that had relied on HCDRA’s efforts to aid hurricane survivors. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

The Kountze man’s downfall serves as a stark reminder of the potential misuse of public trust and charitable funds, underscoring the need for vigilance in monitoring non-profit organizations’ finances.