Waterford Woman Stole $400K From Nonprofit: Prosecutors

WATERFORD, CT — A Waterford woman has pleaded guilty to fraud charges, according to Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. Michele Devine, 50, was accused of embezzling funds from an addiction and mental health services nonprofit.

According to prosecutors, Devine was executive director for the Southeastern Regional Action Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. , a Norwich-based organization that serves 41 towns in Connecticut. The organization is primarily funded via government grants.

Beginning in 2008, Devine spent thousands of dollars on purchases that did not relate to the organization, according to prosecutors. She spent these funds on personal expenses for herself and her family, including thousands on home appliances, travel, timeshare fees at a Connecticut resort, stays at the Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, and private school donations.

The government contends that Devine stole nearly $400,000 from the nonprofit. She worked there until 2022 and was arrested in 2023.

Devine pleaded guilty to wire fraud, a crime that carries a maximum prison term of 20 years. She is scheduled for sentencing Jan. 13.

She is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.