A local man used almost $12,000 in funds taken from a Dayton, Tennessee, nonprofit organization to purchase vehicle parts for a private business and a vintage vehicle he was restoring, according to allegations in a Tennessee Comptroller’s Office investigative report.
According to a news release from the comptroller’s office, state investigators allege former maintenance technician Reynaldo Rivera, 57, of Dayton, used at least $11,871 in funds from the group, Rhea of Sunshine, for his personal use.
“For example, Rivera purchased multiple parts for a Chevrolet El Camino, which he was personally restoring,” the release states. The investigation also alleged Rivera misused the nonprofit’s tax-exempt certificate when he made personal purchases and failed to pay at least $1,157 in sales taxes, officials said.
Rhea of Sunshine Inc. – a nonprofit that provides programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is primarily supported by public funds from the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – owns multiple homes and vehicles to help serve its clients, according to officials. Rhea of Sunshine staff members are responsible for maintenance and repairs.
According to investigators, Rivera used the nonprofit’s O’Reilly Auto Parts and Advance Auto Parts vendor accounts to purchase the parts for his personal vehicles and his private automotive repair business. Court records state the thefts took place between Oct. 1, 2015 and Nov. 13, 2018.