The former executive director of a non-profit in Cooper County is facing a criminal charge that she stole almost $50,000 from the organization.

A probable cause statement accuses 52-year-old Jennifer J Waibel of making multiple purchases and withdrawals from four accounts associated with Unlimited Opportunities, a non-profit organization funded in part by taxpayer contributions through the Cooper County Board of Sheltered Services. Waibel is accused of making 33 purchases totaling $25,653.96 during the summer of 2023, mostly at retailers and restaurants in Boonville and Columbia, as well as online purchases, and two purchases at a Walmart in Georgia. The transactions were marked as “inappropriate expenses” on bank statements obtained by investigators. The probable cause statement also accuses Waibel of making unauthorized transactions on two other cards worth $12,007.40, and making two withdrawals from the organization’s money market account totaling another $12,000.

Waibel was dismissed as executive director of Unlimited Opportunities in September 2023 after the purchases were discovered. Waibel had assumed the role in 2011 and saw her annual salary increase to $83,000 in 2017. According to court documents, Waibel signed an agreement with the group in December 2023 agreeing to pay back $50,000. Investigators say the settlement also included a non-disparagement clause. A complaint was made to the Cooper County Prosecutor’s Office in early 2024 by an employee of Unlimited Opportunities, alleging that the group was threatening retaliation against any employee who spoke on the matter.

A warrant has been issued for Waibel’s arrest, with bond set at $10,000.