Charles County, Maryland – A Charles County couple stands accused of exploiting a nonprofit organization devoted to serving vulnerable members of the community, including the blind, deaf, diabetic, and veterans suffering from PTSD. According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), 40-year-old Melissa Funkhouser and 43-year-old Ronald Paul Funkhouser have been formally indicted after a year-long investigation uncovered a fraud scheme totaling over $36,000.
The focus of the investigation was Lions Camp Merrick, a long-standing nonprofit organization based in Nanjemoy, Maryland. The camp provides life-changing experiences for children and adults living with physical disabilities, chronic illness, and trauma. Through carefully tailored recreational and therapeutic programs, Lions Camp Merrick has provided thousands of individuals and families with support, healing, and community over the years.
From Service to Suspect
Melissa Funkhouser, who was formerly employed by the camp, and her husband Ronald, who served as a volunteer, allegedly abused their access to the organization’s financial accounts over the course of twelve months, from May 2023 to May 2024. According to investigators, the couple routinely used the camp’s debit card to make a series of unauthorized personal purchases—transactions that had nothing to do with the nonprofit’s mission or operations.
Items and bills paid for with the stolen funds reportedly included:
- Car payments
- Utility bills
- Property taxes
- And various other personal expenses
The misuse came to light when a $6,200 transaction raised red flags during an internal audit. The suspicious activity was quickly reported by the camp’s new president, whose vigilance prompted a deeper review of the organization’s financial records. This triggered a broader investigation by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, which soon revealed a disturbing pattern of financial exploitation.
Breach of Trust
In a statement released by CCSO, officials confirmed that the total amount stolen from the organization exceeds $36,000. “This is not just a case of theft,” said a CCSO spokesperson. “This is a betrayal of trust. These funds were meant to serve children and veterans who rely on this camp as a lifeline. Instead, they were used to pay personal bills and obligations.”
The couple has been indicted and faces multiple charges, including:
- Theft over $25,000
- Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card
- Embezzlement from a charitable organization
- Conspiracy to commit theft
Authorities are pursuing restitution as part of the legal proceedings.
Community Response
News of the indictment has left many within the local and nonprofit community stunned and outraged. Lions Camp Merrick is widely respected for its programs, which include diabetes education camps, activities for the visually or hearing impaired, and special weeks of programming designed specifically for veterans coping with post-traumatic stress.
“For people to take advantage of a place like this is just devastating,” said one longtime volunteer. “This camp changes lives. Every dollar donated is supposed to go to the kids, to the programs, to the people who need it most.”
Despite the breach of trust, the leadership at Lions Camp Merrick remains committed to transparency, recovery, and resilience. In a statement, the board emphasized its commitment to full cooperation with law enforcement and has initiated new financial oversight procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We are deeply saddened by these events,” said the camp’s board president. “But we are not defeated. The mission of Lions Camp Merrick will continue, and we will work even harder to ensure that every contribution makes it to the people who need it.”
A Broader Warning
This case highlights the critical need for rigorous financial controls within charitable organizations. Experts in nonprofit governance are pointing to this case as a cautionary tale about the risks of internal fraud and the importance of regular audits, board oversight, and whistleblower protections.
“Nonprofits often operate on tight budgets and deep trust,” said one nonprofit consultant. “But that makes them especially vulnerable to fraud. Situations like this underscore why even small organizations must have strong checks and balances.”
The Road Ahead
Melissa and Ronald Funkhouser are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks, where they will face serious criminal charges that could result in significant prison time and financial restitution if convicted.
Meanwhile, Lions Camp Merrick is doing what it does best: pressing forward, rebuilding, and staying focused on the children, families, and veterans who depend on its services. The camp has urged supporters not to lose faith in its mission, and donations remain open to help fill the financial gap left by the alleged theft.
As the legal process unfolds, the Lions Camp Merrick community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that the strength of its mission will outshine the wrongdoing of a few.