CEO Stole Over $5 Million From Santa Monica Nonprofit For Children: DA Says

SANTA MONICA, CA — A former CEO accused of stealing $5.2 million during his seven-year tenure at a Santa Monica nonprofit for children has been charged, prosecutors announced Monday.

Christopher L. Butler, 49, of Porter Ranch, was charged with 15 felonies in connection with embezzling millions from The Painted Turtle, “a nonprofit specialty camp for children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions,” between 2018 and 2025, the Los Angeles County Distrct Attorney’s Office said.

An attorney for Butler did not immediately respond to Patch’s request for comment.

“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,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a written statement. “My message is crystal clear: If you steal from the most vulnerable members of our community or the organizations that serve them, this office will use every tool the law allows to hold you fully accountable.”

In a statement to Patch, The Painted Turtle said its “board of directors has taken actions,” adding that “investigations by independent auditors and law enforcement have been undertaken.”

“This was a shocking and saddening discovery for us,” the nonprofit said. “Our primary
commitment is always to the children and families that we serve. And this activity will not affect that commitment.”

Butler’s charges include nine counts of grand theft, five counts of forgery and one count of fraudulent use of a computer, according to prosecutors.

If he’s convicted as charged, prosecutors said Butler faces more than 18 years in prison.

Butler, who is being held on $835,000 bail, is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment Thursday, prosecutors said.