Former Jackson Health Foundation COO Pleads Guilty to $4.3 Million Fraud

The former chief operating officer of the Jackson Health Foundation pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, admitting to embezzling at least $4.3 million from the fundraising arm of Miami-Dade’s public hospital system between 2019 and 2024.

Charmaine Gatlin approved fabricated invoices from vendors across multiple states, receiving at least $1 million in kickbacks as part of the scheme, according to prosecutors. Records show Gatlin submitted 14 fraudulent invoices totaling $23,880.14 for golf memberships at the Club at Weston Hills, claiming they were for foundation board members – despite the foundation not providing such memberships and the club records indicating only Gatlin and her husband used the benefit. Foundation emails revealed Gatlin attempted to justify the expense, stating a workaround was used to avoid nonprofit tax exemptions.

The fraud extended beyond golf, with the foundation unknowingly funding expenses for Gatlin, her family, and former employers, including conferences for 100 Black Men of America and supplies for back-to-school rallies in Georgia. A $15,500 golf cart was also purchased under the guise of being for Jackson Health, while two existing carts belonging to the hospital were undergoing repairs. This case highlights the vulnerabilities within nonprofit organizations and the importance of rigorous financial oversight. You can learn more about charity fraud prevention from the Federal Trade Commission.

Gatlin’s guilty plea marks a significant development in the investigation, and sentencing is pending. The Jackson Health Foundation is cooperating with authorities to recover the stolen funds and implement stricter financial controls; you can find more information about the foundation’s mission on their website.