Former non profit CFO sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $2 million

DALLAS - United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that a former chief financial officer of a Dallas-based charity has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for embezzling more than $2 million from the organization.

Jeffrey Scott Keehn, the 55-year-old former CFO of the Child and Family Guidance Center from Imperial Beach, California, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud after admitting he stole $2,109,786.56 from the non-profit over a period of approximately seven years. At Wednesday's hearing, U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade sentenced Keehn to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay full restitution in the amount of $2,109,786.56.

"Stealing from a charity that serves families in crisis is unconscionable," said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "Mr. Keehn's fraud didn't just drain the charity's finances; it forced them to divert time and resources away from their mission. This prison sentence and the restitution he now owes demonstrate that the Justice Department will pursue accountability for those who exploit nonprofits and divert funds meant to support critical community services."

"This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant's actions, which included embezzling charitable funds meant to help those in need of mental health services," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. "The FBI will continue to investigate those responsible for defrauding organizations that provide critical services to members of our communities."

According to court documents, Keehn abused his position as CFO by secretly accessing the charity's checkbook, forging signatures and depositing fraudulent checks into his personal accounts. He also falsified QuickBooks entries and misrepresented the charity's available cash to conceal the scheme.

As part of the investigation and forfeiture proceedings, the government successfully seized approximately $800,000 in assets, including multiple bank accounts, precious metals, a vehicle and his interest in a condominium in Oceanside, California.

At sentencing, two representatives of the Child and Family Guidance Center addressed the Court, describing the organization's mission of providing mental health services to the indigent population. They emphasized not only the financial harm caused by Keehn's actions but also the significant operational burden the fraud imposed, including extensive forensic audits and the challenge of rebuilding after years of concealed losses.

The FBI - Dallas Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marty Basu prosecuted the case.

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