New York: Former LGBT community leader jailed for stealing more than $300,000
The former head of an LGBT community centre in New York City has been jailed for embezzling more than $300,000 (£198,557) from the organisation.
Lisa Winters must serve a minimum of at least two years behind bars.
She pleaded guilty to second-degree larceny in February and was sentenced earlier this week.
A court heard she had taken $338,000 (£223,707) from the Bronx Community Pride Centre.
The New York Post reports she apparently used the money to pay for a dog walker, meals, clothes and trip for her and her wife to South Africa.
Before sentencing Winters told the judge she was “sorry”, adding: “I can’t believe I’m in this position — my mom was dying, I don’t know what I was thinking.”
But the judge replied: “I’m amazed you are in the position you are in now,” he said. “There was absolutely no excuse.”
The Bronx Community Pride Centre closed last summer after 16 years of operation. Board members blamed economic difficulties, past debt and inability to raise funds.
