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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The former executive director of the foundation that built the Wild West Jordan Playground has been accused of taking more than $27,000.
The attorney for Robert Leroy Dalley said his client did not take that much.
Dalley, 32, of West Jordan was charged in 3rd District Court Thursday with theft and unlawful dealing of property by a fiduciary. The charges are third-degree felonies, which are punishable by a maximum sentence of zero to five years in prison.
Dalley's attorney, Greg Skordas, said his client is accepting responsibility and intends to repay the funds, but did not embezzle as much as the charges allege.
Four women formed the nonprofit West Jordan Community Foundation in 2004 to raise money to build the playground.
The foundation raised $311,000 in cash and more than $100,000 in in-kind donations. Six thousand volunteers helped build the playground in the city's Veterans Memorial Park.
Dalley was the unpaid executive director of the foundation.
A state auditor's review said embezzlement money went to electronics, entertainment, household items and food, plus store memberships, personal credit card payments and payments for personal tax and legal obligations.
The foundation has enacted new controls over finances.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
