Office manager accused of stealing thousands from the blind

WinkNews.com, FL, USA
Sunday, October 28, 2007

Office manager accused of stealing thousands from the blind

By everly Francis, WINK News

Port Charlotte man accused of taking $14,000 from a non-profit organization.

Story Updated: Oct 28, 2007 at 8:06 PM EDT 

Port Charlotte- "Stealing from the blind, I just can't believe it," said Pam 
Bergman, Director of the Visually Impaired Persons of Charlotte County.

Bergman says she noticed several unauthorized A-T-M withdrawals and checks from 
the organization's bank account. 

"There was an excessive amount withdrawn and because we are non profit, the 
bank questioned this amount," said Bergman.

That's when Bergman decided to contact the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. 
Deputies investigated, and then pointed the finger at the organization's office 
manager, Mark Valade. 

Bergman says at first, Valade denied all accusations, but a day later confessed 
to taking the money. A total of $14,000.... missing.

Valade was arrested by deputies, but then later released after making bond.

Deputies tell Wink News: Valade later admitted to stealing the money to help 
his roommate Timothy Conklin. Conklin claimed to be in debted to a drug dealer 
and needed the money.

Now that the money's missing, the organization is looking for answers.

They say the missing money was intended to purchase a new building to add more 
classrooms for the visually impaired, but it will now have to be put on hold 
until they can come up with a solution. 

"Hopefully we will find a way to pull ourselves up and out," said Bergman.

If you would like to make a donation to the Visual Impaired Persons of 
Charlotte County, you call them at 941-625-8501, or you can visit them at 22107 
Elmira Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33952. 


http://www.winknews.com/news/local/10852701.html
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