Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert “Father Bobby” Smith and William Whymark, the former IT director, are currently in plea negotiations to resolve federal charges of wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering involving at least $4.7 million in damages. A court filing on Feb. 25 indicated that the parties are seeking to avoid trial and are working towards a settlement. If convicted, the two could face up to 20 years in federal prison, in addition to fines and restitution.
The allegations of misconduct by Smith and Whymark surfaced in 2020, with an internal investigation revealing excessive billing for IT services and extravagant personal expenses. Saint Francis Ministries subsequently sued the former employees, accusing them of fraudulent billing schemes. Smith allegedly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on lavish expenses, while Whymark provided deficient and overpriced IT services that ultimately cost the organization millions to repair.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Saint Francis Ministries continues to focus on its mission of providing support to children and families in need. The organization, which previously received a controversial $10 million Paycheck Protection Program loan, has since been replaced as the foster care provider for the Wichita region but continues to serve central and western Kansas.
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