A former volunteer for a children’s cancer foundation has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars from the nonprofit group.
Investigators say Debra Decesari, 42, of Broomfield wrote checks to herself for more than $12,000 between September and January while volunteering for the Rocky Mountain Childhood Cancer Foundation, 1800 Williams St. in Denver.
Court records show Decesari became involved with the foundation after her daughter was treated for cancer six years ago.
The Rocky Mountain Childhood Cancer Foundation, formed 13 years ago, helps families that have children with cancer pay medical bills and raises money through fundraisers and donations.
In July 2004, a board was formed to run the foundation, with Decesari, known to the foundation as Debra O’Hara, the only person who was actively involved.
In January, the board was reformed, and members discovered that Decesari was diverting foundation funds for her personal use. In all, she wrote six checks to herself for a total of $12,600, investigators said.
After being confronted by the foundation’s treasurer, records show, Decesari sent her a fraudulent bank statement purporting to show the group’s bank balance.
Prosecutors have charged Decesari with theft and forgery in the case. She turned herself in Wednesday and was booked into the Denver County Jail before being released on a $5,000 bond.
Decesari could not be reached for comment.
Staff researcher Barbara Hudson contributed to this report.
Staff writer Amy Herdy can be reached at 303-820-1752 or aherdy@denverpost.com.
