Great Lakes Wire

Teri Lyn Looney, a former executive director of SIREN Eaton Shelter in Michigan, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of embezzling about $95,000 from the nonprofit organization. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey.

SIREN Eaton Shelter operates as a nonprofit that assists survivors of domestic abuse, their children, and homeless families in Eaton County and nearby regions. The shelter receives financial support from federal sources including the U.S. Department of Justice’s Victims of Crimes Act program and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

According to the indictment, Looney allegedly took the funds while leading SIREN between June 2021 and May 2023. In her role as executive director, she oversaw all programming, supervised staff, implemented board policies, and managed the organization's finances.

If found guilty, Looney could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine reaching $250,000. She would also be required to pay restitution.

The investigation is being handled by several agencies: the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, and the Michigan Department of Attorney General Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler is prosecuting the case.

“The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”