CORSICANA, Texas – On September 17, 2025, a former employee of the Navarro Council of the Arts and the Palace Theater pleaded guilty to theft after a multi-year embezzlement scheme was uncovered.
The investigation began in 2023 when board members noticed financial irregularities and alerted authorities. A detailed review of financial records and internal reports revealed significant misappropriation. Detective Dunagan, working with the Corsicana Police Department, traced more than $300,000 in diverted funds. Further investigation, assisted by the Texas Attorney General’s Financial Crimes Division and a forensic accountant, revealed that the employee had embezzled approximately $1,298,000 over several years.
Records show the employee charged hundreds of purchases—including DoorDash orders, Lululemon and Nordstrom purchases, airline tickets, hotels, and restaurant bills—to the nonprofit organizations. The thefts were carefully concealed, delaying discovery for years.
The former employee, who had no prior criminal history, was sentenced to ten years in prison and ordered to pay $450,000 in restitution. A $100,000 cashier’s check was delivered to the District Attorney’s office during the court proceedings.
Authorities emphasized the impact of the crime, noting that acts of embezzlement undermine trust in charitable organizations and make fundraising more difficult. Thanks to the diligence of board members and the generosity of donors, both organizations are expected to continue their community work despite the financial setback.
