Teri Lyn Looney, 53, of Dimondale, Michigan, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of embezzling approximately $95,000 from SIREN Eaton Shelter. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey.
SIREN Eaton Shelter is a nonprofit organization in Michigan that supports survivors of domestic abuse, their children, and homeless families in Eaton County and nearby areas. The shelter receives funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Victims of Crimes Act program and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
According to the indictment, Looney allegedly took the funds while serving as Executive Director between June 2021 and May 2023. Her responsibilities included overseeing organizational programming, supervising staff, implementing policies with the Board, and managing SIREN’s budget and cash reserves.
If convicted, Looney could face up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and restitution payments to the victim.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, and the Michigan Department of Attorney General Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler is prosecuting the case.
“The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” according to the release.
