TOPEKA- A federal grand jury has indicted the former CEO and IT director of Saint Francis Ministries for attempting to defraud the foster care provider of around $5 million in fake invoices.

The indictment follows a two-year investigation into accusations of financial mismanagement that led to the dismissal of former CEO Robert Smith. In 2019, Nebraska officials contracted Saint Francis to run its child welfare system, but terminated the contract three years before its end date, claiming that Saint Francis failed to deliver on several obligations.

Prosecutors allege that Smith approved a multitude of invoices submitted by IT director William Whymark that inflated the costs of providing IT services. Smith received a previously undisclosed $50,000 kickback disguised as an authorized invoice, and used Saint Francis credit cards to purchase personal items like clothing and jewelry.

Smith and Whymark were indicted on conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 10 counts of wire fraud, with Smith receiving five additional charges of wire fraud and money laundering.

If convicted, both men will face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, alongside fines and restitution. The Kansas Reflector first reported on allegations of financial mismanagement in November of 2020.

Saint Francis is currently the largest foster care contractor in Kansas, and provides services to Wichita and the western side of the state.

Officials working with Saint Francis confirmed that they were aware of the indictments, and released a statement saying, "As the case moved forward, Saint Francis will continue to work transparently and collaboratively with federal authorities as part of the investigative process. We appreciate the diligence exhibited in the pursuit of justice by all parties."

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