A chief executive from California has been charged with stealing millions of dollars intended for a charitable camp for seriously ill children, a camp originally established by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman.
The Alleged Scheme and Arrest
Christopher Butler, aged 49, was arrested on New Year's Eve and faces 15 felony counts including grand theft, forgery, and fraud. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office alleges he misappropriated $5.2 million from The Painted Turtle, a nonprofit that provides free camping experiences to children with chronic and life-threatening conditions.
Prosecutors state that Butler began the fraud when he was hired as the camp's Chief Executive Officer in 2018 and continued until his departure in the summer of 2025. During his tenure, he also acted as the organisation's controller, overseeing its financial accounting. A criminal complaint alleges he embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, with the sum peaking at $1 million in 2022.
The methods described include writing fraudulent checks, altering data on company computers, and even stealing devices when a new financial controller was hired.
A Betrayal of Trust and Mission
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned the alleged crimes in a strong statement. "Abusing a position of power to steal funds from a camp dedicated to helping children with serious medical conditions is an affront to both the law and our deepest values," he said. "My message is crystal clear: If you steal from the most vulnerable members of our community or the organisations that serve them, this office will use every tool the law allows to hold you fully accountable."
The Painted Turtle was founded in 1999 by Paul Newman and philanthropist Page Adler. Its mission is to support children's medical needs, inspire them to reach beyond their illnesses, and provide care and respite for their families. All campers attend completely free of charge, with the operation relying solely on donations.
According to its 2023 financial report, the camp raised $4.7 million from 1,633 donors and served over 42,000 families. Major contributors that year included LA Arena Company LLC and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, with other supporters like Johnny Depp, Tyson Foods, and The George Lopez Foundation also listed.
Fallout and Ongoing Operations
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, The Painted Turtle confirmed Butler had committed "serious financial crimes," calling it a "shocking and saddening discovery." A spokesperson for the organisation, Glenn Bozarth, expressed the collective disbelief, stating, "We all have the same question: 'How can someone do this?'"
The nonprofit has conducted an independent audit and is cooperating with law enforcement. It plans to continue its programming, though it remains unclear if the embezzled funds can be recovered.
Butler, who lived in a condominium in the affluent Porter Ranch neighbourhood of Los Angeles, is currently held at the North County Correctional Facility. His bail is set at $835,000. His arraignment is scheduled for 15 January, and he has yet to enter a plea. He is being represented by the Los Angeles Public Defender's Office.
