PRESCOTT, Ariz. — The former executive director of Prescott's chapter of Habitat for Humanity has been arrested on suspicion of stealing $400,000 from the charity organization.
Karen Northcutt, 60, was taken into custody yesterday after the Prescott Police Department served a search warrant at the suspect's Dewey residence.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Mujer de Arizona es acusada de robar $400,000 de Habitat for Humanity
Police said Northcutt is suspected of embezzling a large sum of money from Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity, which builds affordable housing for families, and spending it for herself on home remodels, appliances, vet bills, vacations, recreational vehicles, and paying off personal taxes.
The alleged fraud began in 2017 and continued until PAHH received an anonymous tip in February 2024. During the investigation, police learned Northcutt allegedly raised her own salary without authorization from the PAHH board.
In a letter to the community, PAHH stated the suspect had been swiftly terminated and the organization has begun to implement "strict controls" to ensure this type of fraud won't happen again.
"We are incredibly heartbroken that one of our own, who we trusted and supported, would do this," the PAHH letter states.
Northcutt is facing charges of fraud and theft. Anyone with more information about this case is asked to contact Prescott police at 928-777-1900.
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