Dauphin County DA Looking Into Alleged Misuse of $200K by Former Nonprofit Exec. Director

Downtown Daily Bread faces an inquiry into $200,000 in alleged fund misuse by its former executive director, who now confronts separate embezzlement charges.

The Harrisburg nonprofit announced on Saturday that it is cooperating with Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo, WHP reported. Downtown Daily Bread reported its financial concerns to Chardo in October 2025.

Chardo confirmed to CBS 21 that his office has been investigating the report, though no charges have been filed in connection with Downtown Daily Bread. In a press release, the organization said that former Executive Director Corie Lingenfelter misappropriated the funds for personal benefit and applied them to programs outside of DDB’s core areas.

Lingenfelter led the organization from February 2023 until her resignation in June 2025. Following her departure, the nonprofit conducted a review of its records and discovered that the executive director possessed the ability to access funds, move money, write checks, and authorize payments without independent review.

The Board of Directors hired a new executive director, Kristen Herman, in September 2025 and engaged legal counsel to change monetary policy. Herman conducted a budget review that identified the irregularities, prompting the referral to the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office.

The organization worked with the District Attorney’s Office and received clearance only recently to issue a public statement. In response to the allegations, Downtown Daily Bread replaced its accounting service with an independent firm specializing in nonprofits and replaced its independent auditor.

The nonprofit maintained that the alleged misappropriations did not lead to any reduction or discontinuation of services for Harrisburg’s homeless population. Matthew Haar, the president of the board of directors, addressed the community impact in a statement.

“People donate to and support Downtown Daily Bread because they want our neighbors in need to have food, shelter, and essential services. We understand how troubling this news is. We will continue to follow the advice of our legal counsel, cooperate with the District Attorney’s investigation, ensure stronger financial safeguards, and continue DDB’s vitally important work to provide for individuals in need in our community.”

Separately, Lingenfelter was arrested in early November after police accused her of embezzling more than $49,000 while serving as treasurer for the Latino Connection Foundation, according to the Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Police. She is currently out of jail on bond in connection with those charges.

Donors and community partners with concerns are directed to reach out to Executive Director Herman.