Pat Mayer's Death ...... Aftershocks!
When Pat Mayers, a well known crime activist and President of a group called Citizen's Crime Alert died last May at the age of 66, most of us that knew her were shocked at her untimely death.
Mayers
But when the organization's Vice President, Linda Gibboney, got a hold of the organizations' financial records, a month or so after Mayer's death, her shock and sadness turned into "just a sick feeling - all the money [in the organization] was gone", says Gibboney.
Here's the story
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission helped start the Citizen's Crime Alert group in 1983 to help fight crime in the City by giving it $25,000 in seed money. It developed it's mission, "neighbors looking out for neighbors, citizens being the additional eyes and ears for the Police".
Sometime around 2000, Mayers became the President of the group.
Mayers became well known as the voice of the group, and ran the organization for some years successfully, without incident. But then, according to Mayers herself, (she confided to me) things got tough for her, financially.
At the start of 2005, the organization had over $10,000 in it's coffers.
I know that Mayers was in some financial trouble in November 2005, because she called and asked me for a $1000 loan to "make her mortgage". I did.
About that time, according to Gibboney, Mayers began to use the organization's ATM card for her personal use. Gibboney says (and others back up) that no one other than Mayers had access to the funds during this period, and that none of the purchases or withdrawals were for Crime Alert Business, with the exception of the purchase of crime alert signs and bank and other standard filing fees.
Here is a chart showing the downward trajectory of the group's funds from 2005 on.
The Bank of America bank records show patterns of major ATM cash withdrawals, as well as purchases with the ATM card at grocery stores, gas stations, Home Depot, Costco, even a stop at an Italian bakery for some goodies.
The greatest amount of pilfering took place in 2009. Here is a list of all the purchases and cash withdrawals Mayers reportedly made with the group's ATM card that year.
Gibboney still seems traumatized by the travesty. She told me the story last Saturday during an area anti-crime march (ironically). I was wearing an old Citizen's Crime Alert T-Shirt, and she was walking behind me and says she couldn't stand it anymore, had to get it off her chest.
Gibboney told me she went to the Police after finding out about the theft, but the Police told her there was nothing they could do, as Mayers was deceased, and there was no one to prosecute.
Gibboney also went to the Mayor to let him know about the issue.
As for me, Mayers paid me back most of the money she borrowed from me before her death.
Now I'm wondering if it was Citizen Crime Alert money she paid me back with!
...................................................................
* ( Cal Deal prepared all the charts and graphics for this post)
Mayers
But when the organization's Vice President, Linda Gibboney, got a hold of the organizations' financial records, a month or so after Mayer's death, her shock and sadness turned into "just a sick feeling - all the money [in the organization] was gone", says Gibboney.
Here's the story
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission helped start the Citizen's Crime Alert group in 1983 to help fight crime in the City by giving it $25,000 in seed money. It developed it's mission, "neighbors looking out for neighbors, citizens being the additional eyes and ears for the Police".
Sometime around 2000, Mayers became the President of the group.
Mayers became well known as the voice of the group, and ran the organization for some years successfully, without incident. But then, according to Mayers herself, (she confided to me) things got tough for her, financially.
At the start of 2005, the organization had over $10,000 in it's coffers.
I know that Mayers was in some financial trouble in November 2005, because she called and asked me for a $1000 loan to "make her mortgage". I did.
About that time, according to Gibboney, Mayers began to use the organization's ATM card for her personal use. Gibboney says (and others back up) that no one other than Mayers had access to the funds during this period, and that none of the purchases or withdrawals were for Crime Alert Business, with the exception of the purchase of crime alert signs and bank and other standard filing fees.
Here is a chart showing the downward trajectory of the group's funds from 2005 on.
The Bank of America bank records show patterns of major ATM cash withdrawals, as well as purchases with the ATM card at grocery stores, gas stations, Home Depot, Costco, even a stop at an Italian bakery for some goodies.
The greatest amount of pilfering took place in 2009. Here is a list of all the purchases and cash withdrawals Mayers reportedly made with the group's ATM card that year.
Gibboney still seems traumatized by the travesty. She told me the story last Saturday during an area anti-crime march (ironically). I was wearing an old Citizen's Crime Alert T-Shirt, and she was walking behind me and says she couldn't stand it anymore, had to get it off her chest.
Gibboney told me she went to the Police after finding out about the theft, but the Police told her there was nothing they could do, as Mayers was deceased, and there was no one to prosecute.
Gibboney also went to the Mayor to let him know about the issue.
As for me, Mayers paid me back most of the money she borrowed from me before her death.
Now I'm wondering if it was Citizen Crime Alert money she paid me back with!
...................................................................
* ( Cal Deal prepared all the charts and graphics for this post)
How can the City start a group like this with no financial oversight, checks, and balances? This is a really sad story; I guess Ms. Mayers didn't consider herself a criminal. What kind of structure did this group have? No by-laws? No two signatures required on a check? No audits or financial reports required? Where was their Board for all of those years? The estate should repay the stolen funds.
Reply to this
All 501 C3's, by law, including Citizens Crime Alert have a board of directors. These are the checks and balances. At each monthly meeting, finances are discussed and the Treasurer summarizes both the current financial situation, expenditures and income of note. Anyone who has been to the meetings knows this, including Ms. Gibboney.
Ms. Gibboney was on the board since 2000 when I joined Citizen's Crime Alert. Cathy Currie was the treasurer for 5 or 6 years in this timeframe. I find it curious that Ms. Gibboney, past and current President of CCA, had no questions about finances while Ms. Mayers was alive, despite the fact that she NOW says a large amount of money was 'pilfered' over a long period of time, time when she was the Vice President of CCA.
It would seem more appropriate to ask those that are among the living and still responsible, the board members of the organization, what happened and why THEY were asleep at the wheel for 11 years, as opposed to accusing someone that is not here to ask questions of. How do we know it was not the Treasurer or the Vice President that took the money? They obviously were aware of the organizations finances. If they raised no questions during 11 years of meetings, but after the President dies, then make accusations, what does that suggest?
When I lived in Victoria Park years ago, I personally saw Ms. Mayers confront drug dealers in front of their apartments, and write in chalk on the street "Drugs Dealt HERE !" with arrows pointing out where the drug dealers lived. She encouraged me and others to join in. Join in we did with a show of force that ultimately cleaned up the drug dealing. Ms. Mayers had guts, and in my opinion was instrumental in driving drug dealers out of Victoria Park. By the way, I did NOT see Ms. Gibboney participating in these vigils.
So I see two kinds of people here:
One, who at considerable personal risk, stood out front of drug dealers apartments and harassed them, who spent hundreds of volunteer hours riding around in Citizens on Patrol cars policing the neighborhood, whose home was a regular stop for the Fort Lauderdale mounted patrol. One who was very active in advancing the cause of crime fighting and citizen involvement.
And another, who makes accusations about people that are not able to defend themselves. One who had the responsibility of being a board member, the Vice President of a 501 C3, and apparently did an abysmal job of it.
Reply to this
The old adage, "trust but verify" has uses beyond its intended foreign policy mantra. Gremlin
Reply to this
Thank you Tim for getting this information out to the public. I had a
lot of concerns regarding other people who might have been affected on a personal level so I was hesitant to make it public. I feel that your approach was accurate and to the point.
Thank you.
Reply to this
Then I assume you wont have any issues with a quarterly audit right???
In fact this site might be just the place to post it, dont ya think???
Reply to this
Linda,
As I recall, in 2001, you were voted out of the Presidency of Citizens Crime Alert by a membership of about 300 members, in favor of Pat, and reluctantly took the open seat of VP. You were VP the entire time that Pat was President. How were you not able to see the 'corruption' that you accuse her of if you were the VP for her entire term? I agree the timing of this 'discovery', after here death seems odd.
In late 2008 we (including you) voted on the purchase of 100 Custom Logo Citizens Crime Alert Polo shirts at around $20 each, is this $2000 included in the $10,000 of expenditures since 2001?
Cal
Reply to this
Good story. Who's watching the henhouse in these organizations? Didn't something like this happen in another organization several years ago?
Reply to this
I'm so saddened to read this about Pat. My heart goes out to both her memory and Linda Gibboney's present day predicament.
Perhaps the City can require of all organizations. . .including HOAs. . . to require two signatures on all withdrawals, and no ATM cards.
I regret that temptation corrupted a woman who fought crime as hard as Pat did.
Reply to this
not an attorney but if this group was incorporated as a 501(3)c non-profit, would they not have insurance or a bond on the directors and officers? I know from HOA's that the bond and insurance does not cover 'illegal' actions. Another reason to have 2 signatures required for all checks, and not have a debit card. sorry to read this.
Reply to this
OMG
Reply to this
WOW
Reply to this
Tim, I think you can stop wondering.
This makes me feel a whole lot better about the time a couple of years ago I tried to get Pat Mayers replaced as Victoria Park's Crime Watch Chairperson when I tired of her trite admonishments to lock our doors and beware the of the gypsies. After the meeting she came up to me and told me that "you will never be what I am, you'll never be nothing." Apparently she couldn’t have been more right about half of it. It's amazing to think that her veins were coursing with deceit and hypocrisy as she spoke those bitter words to me. She betrayed all that she stood for and left us holding the bag. You've got to give her credit for one thing though, despite the old adage, she found a way to take it with her.
Reply to this
Is it just me or can you see the hypocrisy of a head of a Crime Group being criminal? Priceless !
Reply to this
You've got to wonder, can anyone in South Florida be trusted? This seems to be the land of scammers. Can't even trust those you think are doing good works.
Reply to this
Seems like so many taxpayers are always being had. When will we wise up? Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
25k in seed money in 1983? Hope that law handing out tax payer money isn't still on the books or did they call it a "Grant"?
Reply to this
Amazing How little, some people are willing to sell the trust of the public for. MRT have faith not everyone can be bought.
Reply to this
Tim, you always have an interesting blog. I wonder if the sunsentinel will print this story and write it as if it was their own. I noticed they have done that in the past.
Reply to this
Sadly, I have to admit that I am not surprised- when I lived in the area, I was involved in alot of anti-crime measures.
I heard many rumors about Pat, one being that at one time during her oh-so-long and boring,do nothing term as president of the committee, she was supporting a boyfriend that was in jail for awhile.
Also, I heard that when it was suggested to her to let someone else that was more aggresive on crimefighting take the presidency,she went ballistic, and got REAL nasty- perhaps as I look on it now, I realize it was the "gravy train" that she didn't want to give up....
One would expect that a crime committee would be out on the streets,being vigilant for their cause,but I can recall other groups such as Turn around Ft. Lauderdale,and Middle River Terrace walks that did waaay more to combat crime....
I really think that Pat's motives were more selfish ones, other than to truly lead- the presidency was just a "notch in her beltloop" so to speak, to give herself importance,and as we all know now, a license to embezzle funds.
I tried to sit through some of her meetings, but they were just too boring,and didn't really do much in the effort to fight crime,with the exception of National Night Out...
The irony of the whole story is that the leader of the anti-crime group that represents the city was a criminal...so terribly sad for those that have altruistic motives for the cause.
Thanks Tim, for your honesty, and willingness to educate us on things we need to know- I hope this piece sets a precedent for other organizations, and gives a wake-up call to those out there that may be secretly doing the same dispicable thing as Pat did......
Reply to this
I plan on stopping by Progress Hammock Memorial Park today to see the memorial for the first time that the Victoria Park Civic Association erected to commemorate Pat Mayers. I would think the most humane thing to do at this point would be for the VPCA to remove it before some enterprising resident scrawls "thief" or "hypocrite" across it.
Reply to this
Just read CAl Deal's email about this and he includes something that was missing here - he says that Gibboney went to the police and the mayor 6 months ago and both did NOTHING. Why is that? Will the police and mayor explain this and is that why this story was held until the day after the election?!
Reply to this
why does city hall portray the city as happy valley? we would never know of crime, and in SMRT, if not for tim's blog. so much gets swept under the rug its amazing there is room. the reason all 5 want to get 3 more years is they will continue to do damage control in spite of sunshine law to keep the citys whitewashed image for tourism, the beach and riverwalk/los olas as the mayors litany goes, while they plug the dike with their fingers. sure this deceased persons theft is chump change compared to the bigger rip offs we endure but when brought to their attention they did nothing and its documented. the robbing peter to pay paul will catch up with them this year because pulling $30 million out of reserves this year will put reserves at margin.
Reply to this
The timing was mine. It had nothing to do with any elections OR who's on first OR when did I last go to the bathroom OR what do you think Mom will get you for Christmas. It has been enough time passed so that people should be over the personal loss of Pat and won't take this information to much too heart. This was my timing.
Reply to this
Linda- Hats off to you for going to the authorities and the Mayor right away, and for having the courage to get the story out for Tim to tell, and for having the compassion to wait until folks that admired her got over their loss....
As for the comment from someone saying we are the judge and jury, well the facts are evident, and no, those of us that are appalled by this incidence are not saints, just human beings standing up for injustice- how can ANYONE condone her behavior?????
Reply to this
The date on the police report was August 2011, 6 months ago. So "you heard" right....except for the part that the police did nothing. What do you want the police to do if the suspect IS DEAD? Also whos duty is it to release this report to the public? Its a police report, NONE are released unless they are asked for. Ill bet it was there for the asking the whole time and no one asked for it. You brought nothing useful to this discussion and just demonstrated your ignorance.
Reply to this
The City should go after the estate for the entire $25,000.
Reply to this
Hey, I stopped by the Progress Hammock Memorial Park Greenway in Victoria Park and saw the plaque. It Reads "She Pledged Her Life to Victoria Park and the Fight Against Crime". Pat Mayers 1945-2011.
Reply to this
As far as I know,a report to the police does not mean a crime has been committed but only serves to address an issue that may merit further investigation. It appears that in this case though,a judge and jury has been selected and a verdict rendered.
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone comes to mind.
It appears you must all be saints.
Reply to this
Judge, Jury and Coroner in fact. I don't know what other facts, testimony or evidence you are waiting for. I feel the facts that Tim laid out above basically tell us what happened. Unless someone wants to pull up the receipt numbers and see exactly what she was buying with the stolen money. Might be interesting if she was buying booze or something. The only other shoe to drop is whether the city will be able to recover these taxpayer dollars by suing her estate and how long it is going to take to remove her plaque from Progresso Hammock Memorial Greenway Park. Just wondering, LevelHead are you still withholding judgment on Cindi Hutchinson as well.
Reply to this
Charles, stating the obvious is not always fact and Cindi Hutchinson has/had her day in court.I don't need to preach here. My only concern is opinions are just that.I would hope Tim is not trying to put anyone on trial in a public forum, regardless of what he has presented as fact. We get ahead of ourselves at times and I am as guilty of the trait as anyone.
Reply to this
LevelHead, my money in on this stolen money being recovered from her estate. Hopefully Tim will do a follow up and answer any nagging questions anyone who isn't comvinced by the first batch of evidence might have.
Reply to this
Interesting comments as usual on Tim's topics. Surprised at some of the taxpayers wanting to recover such a paltry sum compared to the many and repeat ripoffs of our funds down at city hall on CIP's. As I wrote to Cal and Tim earlier, cash was taken on a regular basis for a period of time in late 2010 at city hall, was discovered and brought up at a FLLCC afternoon conference mtg, alison love acting city mgr was questioned, she 'assured' the thefts had ceased, the employee did not have to pay it back, did not loose their job, and credit checks on current employees and new hiring was shot down by 5 on comm., city attorney and alison love. not sure what dept. this was, obviously one with cash, maybe water bill payment window, but it was never followed thru. so any outrage and dissatisfaction by people here is disingenuous because it is ongoing. Theft is theft unless its too messy to deal with by the FLL CC.
So whats done is done, no blood from stone, whether this woman or the unidentified city employee in 2010.
Reply to this
Mary, I challenge you to find which conference meeting this happened at. All meetings are video taped and archived. I hardly believe that while Master Bates was here, and with a former Police Chief who's ethics are beyond reproach and a fiscal conservative commissioner in Rodstrom that employee theft would be swept under the rug. If you want my support in your campaign please prove to me that you didn't just fabricate a story.
Reply to this
http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/documents/comm_minutes10/100510cc_confminutes.pdf
see page 7
Reply to this
Once again Mary where does it say that an employee committed theft and no action against the employee was taken. That's a huge grenade to toss without any back up. The discussion was about continued credit checks on employees. Misinformation by a candidate is now becoming the norm.
Reply to this
You can watch the video for the verbatim discussion. The 'posted minutes' are not a court report verbatim transcription. The discussion opened with the comm. asking about the backup financial report from August and the audit shortfalls. This discussion in Oct 2010 was not of any concern to me because far larger issues were discussed that day. There are plenty of 'expenditures' that impact our tax dollars and are repeated again and again on CIP. Guess the millions squandered are not that big of a deal or just expected in the course of conducting city business. Guess you and some other budget conscious individuals don't worry about those sums.
The acting city mgr assured the city comm. safeguards are sufficient. Guess that was good enough for them.
You want more info I suggest you watch the conf. mtg which may be available on a CD Rom. As I see from posts here Pat Myers (who I did not know) was not writing checks, she was using a debit card. So who with absolute certainty knows it was her? Talk about a grenade to toss.
You are entitled to your opinion and your vote, and even criticism behind a nom de plume.
Reply to this
misinformation by a candidate is now becoming the norm?
how about from your elected officals at all levels of goverment?
Reply to this
Honest services fraud was brought up in the recent prosecutions of elected officials in Palm Beach county. Don't know if it was applicable in any recent Broward cases against elected officials. They usually can get a solid case on the 'lying' alone. Pay Myers was not an elected official but looks like she was entrusted with funds to be used in a specific way and appears to have not adhered to those uses. no different than an officer in a condo assoc or HOA misappropriating and stealing monthly funds although SAO rarely prosecutes and recovers money.
Reply to this
Go after her estate or any other assest she left to someone. a car, furniture, etc. Its not your fault Tim. Sad actually.
Reply to this
Hey Robert Walsh... I am curious? Do you get up in the morning and just naturally chase your tail? Or do you have to think about it first??
Is that brown stain on your nose something that you "refresh" or does it stay there?
Reply to this
I can't believe it, Pat was a great person to work with and I never would have thought she would do something like this.
Reply to this
where is this debit card? withdrawls made with debit card so maybe it was not her and no on asks for ID when you use a debit card
Reply to this
Pat stated she had the account's debit card. Also, the withdrawals were made over 5 years and the statements were going to Pat's address. Which by the way, neither the card or statements were to be found after her passing.
Reply to this
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones.
Reply to this
Typical of City commission business, and yet this blog and the usual suspects of contributors were the strongest advocates for re-election of the same people who Gave the Seed Money! Hey when you guys and Ladies are tired of getting bent over and realize the old adage "doing the same thing but expecting a different result" finally registers? Let me know..
Reply to this
According to Tim's report above, the taxpater money was given back in 1983. I think it is a bit of a leap to blame the current Mayor and Commission. Seiler was probably at Notre Dame back at 1983.
Reply to this
Charles, when you wrote "taxpater" were you reminiscing about your dads tv show our gang and demeaning buckwheat more than your dad did?
Reply to this
Ok then blame today's Mayor and Commission if that what gets you through the day.
Reply to this
Bravo Tim.
A well balanced blog & website that benefits our community for unbiased light hearted easy reading. Keep up the good work!
J.K.
Reply to this