Briefs

CEO Charged With $5M Embezzlement From Children’s Camp

LAKE HUGHES — The former CEO of The Painted Turtle, a nonprofit specialty camp for children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions, Jan. 12 was charged with embezzling $5.2 million from the organization during his tenure from 2018-2025.

Christopher L. Butler (dob 2/28/76) of Porter Ranch is charged with 15 felony counts: nine counts of grand theft, five counts of forgery and one count of fraudulent use of a computer.  

The case was filed on Dec. 29, 2025. Butler is being held on $835,000 bail.

His arraignment is set for Jan. 15 in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

If convicted as charged, Butler faces more than 18 years in state prison.

Reporters Desk

Recent Posts

Port of Los Angeles 2026 Summer Internship Program Application Period Now Open

The 10-week program runs June 15-Aug. 21. Summer interns may work up to 40 hours…

45 minutes ago

Arts Council for Long Beach Appoints Lisa DeSmidt as Interim Executive Director

DeSmidt has spent the past ten years at ArtsLB helping shape the organization’s programs, people,…

56 minutes ago

Port Rolls Out New Online Grant Platform for Community Investment Program

The new online application system will now allow applicants to seamlessly upload digital applications, identify…

2 hours ago

Emergency Rent Relief Program to Relaunch Feb. 9; Phase II Accepts Tenant Applications

Round 2 builds on the initial rollout by expanding access and reducing barriers to entry…

2 hours ago

Queen Mary 2 and the Historic Queen Mary will Reunite for a Royal Rendezvous – 20 Years Since Last Meeting

The public is invited to see this royal rendezvous from the decks of the Queen…

4 days ago

Arts Council for Long Beach Honors Griselda Suarez’s Legacy as Executive Director

  After ten years of transformative leadership, Griselda Suarez will step down as executive director…

4 days ago