Former executive director at Unlimited Opportunities accused of embezzling nearly $50,000
Ryan Shiner
BOONVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)
The former executive director of Unlimited Opportunities Inc. has been charged with a felony after she was accused embezzling nearly $50,000.
Jennifer Waibel, of Boonville, was charged on Monday in Cooper County with stealing more than $50,000. A warrant was issued for her arrest on Monday and a $10,000 bond was set. She was not listed on the Cooper County Jail’s online roster on Tuesday afternoon.
The probable cause statement says the Cooper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office received an anonymous complaint in 2024 about an employee being fired from Unlimited Opportunities for embezzlement.
Unlimited Opportunities provides services for those who have disabilities and is partially funded by taxpayer money through the Cooper County Board of Sheltered Services.
The statement says an investigation initially indicated there was “no indication of fraud or corruption,” in the monetary transactions between UOI and CCBSS,” but UIO funds and credit cards were not reviewed at the time.
An employee counseling statement from 2023 allegedly indicated that Waibel was “excessively” spending money on the group’s credit card, the statement says.
Transactions listed in the probable cause statement showed Waibel allegedly spent $49,661.36 on several transactions from June 16-Aug. 31, 2023, which included several multi-thousand-dollar purchases at Walmart locations in Boonville, Columbia and in Madison, Georgia.
According to documents, Waibel was suspended with pay on Sept. 6, 2023 while UOI conducted their investigation. 20 days later on the 26, Waibel was sent a letter, informing her that she had been fired, effective Sept. 29 2023.
Court documents say a mutual settlement agreement signed by Waibel and Unlimited Opportunities on Dec. 5, 2023, stated Waibel had to pay back $50,000 to the group by Jan. 8, 2024. A paragraph in the agreement allegedly stated Waibel’s separation would be considered a “voluntary resignation,” the statement says.
The probable cause statement also claimed that employees were threatened with retaliation if they spoke out about the situation.
Executive Director of Cooper County Board of Sheltered Services Madison Dollens sent a statement to ABC 17 News Tuesday night, stating the board is cooperating with authorities. According to Dollens, a report found no indication of fraud or embezzlement from the CCBSS.
“CCBSS remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds for the good of the Cooper County community,” Dollens wrote. “At this time, however, CCBSS will not be providing additional comment while we continue to work with law enforcement and investigators.”
ABC 17 News reached out to OUI, who declined to comment.