Veterans fund treasurer accused of embezzling

THORNTON, Colo. -- The treasurer of a Colorado not-for-profit fund has been accused of stealing money meant for a veterans memorial, reports CBS Denver.

Tami Colleen William has been charged with theft for allegedly embezzling more than $14,000 from the Thornton Veterans Memorial Foundation.

Jim Branaugh, chairman of the organization, said it's devoted to building a memorial park in Thornton, Colo.

"We were so close to getting it fully completed. We had all the funds in the bank," Branaugh said.

In August, the foundation discovered their funds had been stolen and they couldn't afford to complete the project.

William, 56, is accused of transferring foundation funds for her own use between November 2010 and December 2013.

"The whole organization felt betrayed. We had a trusted member in the organization who took advantage of the position she was in," said Branaugh.

William, who served as the foundation's treasurer, has been a vocal supporter of veterans' issues, dedicating much of her Facebook page and free time to veteran causes.

The foundation still needs about $10,000 to finish the memorial.

"It's going to need some panels and then the memorial brick in the ground," said City of Thornton spokesman Todd Barnes.

After word of the charges spread, the Thornton City Council passed a resolution to pay for completion of the project, no matter the cost, Barnes said.

"The City Council didn't really flinch at getting this done because they knew it was the right thing to do," said Barnes.