Former Vegas police department spokesman, ex-wife indicted for stealing funds meant for families in need

Former Vegas police department spokesman, ex-wife indicted for stealing funds meant for families in need Prosecutors say Timothy Bedwell, the former CEO of Lutheran Social Services, used his status as a retired police officer to build trust while embezzling tens of thousands of dollars - Bookmark Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A grand jury in Clark County, Nevada, has indicted a former North Las Vegas police spokesperson and charity CEO, and his ex-wife on felony charges, accusing them of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars intended to assist vulnerable families. Timothy Bedwell, who served as CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Nevada, and Michele Bedwell, who now goes by Michele Mosey, are charged with comprehensive theft ranging between $25,000 and $100,000, as reported by CBS affiliate KLAS. The charge is a category B felony in Nevada. According to prosecutors from the Clark County District Attorney’s office, the couple stole $60,400 from the 40-year-old nonprofit over a 12-month period beginning January 1, 2024. Prosecutors told the local CBS affiliate that the alleged theft forced the charity into bankruptcy, adding that Bedwell used his background as a retired police officer to build credibility with the organization before taking the money. Chief Judge Tierra Jones set bail for both defendants at $60,400 — matching the exact amount they are accused of taking from the nonprofit. Under the terms of their release, Bedwell and Mosey must submit to high-level electronic monitoring and complete a source hearing to prove the origin of any funds used to post bail. The indictment follows months of internal turmoil, high-level resignations and mounting questions over the management of the Boulder Highway-based organization, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Internal records and emails obtained by local media show that red flags were raised as early as September 2024. Former Chief Operating Officer Darryl Davis wrote to the board chairman following his resignation, warning that "the sheer level of mismanagement means that no one within the organization can confidently account for how the funds were used." According to financial records cited by the newspaper, the nonprofit made regular, unaccounted payments of thousands of dollars to private companies owned by Michele Bedwell and an unpaid board member, Adam Kent. Over a five-month span, firm records reveal that Michele Bedwell’s companies, Mediak and Hi-Tek Media, were paid at least $37,150 for marketing and development work, despite accounting staff reporting a lack of formal contracts or clear deliverables. Former accounting employees recalled being pressured to cut checks without proper documentation. Jacquie Newman, a former accounting worker who quit after three months, told reporters that invoices came across her desk without explanations and that she refused to sign off on them because the arrangement seemed improper. The alleged financial misconduct coincided with significant personal financial troubles for the couple. Court filings seen by the Las Vegas Review-Journal show that while living in a luxurious mansion and driving high-end vehicles, Timothy Bedwell was subject to wage garnishments to satisfy more than $27,000 in personal credit card debt. His ex-wife was also hit with civil lawsuits from credit card companies over tens of thousands in unpaid debts. The charity — which provided food pantry services and housing assistance through federal grants and private donations — suspended operations last month. [Image text:] Lutheran Social Services ofNevada