We’re shocked and saddened to see that veteran area youth leader Lurone Jennings, director of Chattanooga’s Youth and Family Development department, has admitted to misusing some $30,000 in nonprofit funds.
We’re equally surprised at his light punishment of one week’s suspension. At many workplaces, such an offense would prompt a firing. In some cases, the individual would be arrested.
Jennings, up front when confronted, said he knew giving money to a nonprofit run by his daughter was a conflict of interest and said he “expected it would come back to haunt him,” according to a memorandum written by city auditor Stan Sewell.
The funds, held by the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga and intended to be used for temporary jobs, work scholarships and educational services for students regarding high school graduations, were not only given to his daughter’s nonprofit but also handed out for several other purposes that violated the agreement on distribution of funds between the Community Foundation and the city.
From what we can tell, all of the funds – including those given to Jennings’ daughter’s summer camp for children with disabilities – went to causes that would help youth. In other words, this is not a case where Jennings attempted to feather his nest.