The former executive director of the Miracles Club has been indicted on accusations that he embezzled $144,000 from the Northeast Portland nonprofit, then gambled away much of the money at the Spirit Mountain Casino.
Herman Cordell Bryant, 59, was indicted Feb. 1 on first-degree aggravated theft and other charges related to the theft of money from the Miracles Club, which helps recovering drug addicts and alcoholics maintain their sobriety.
The criminal allegations are the latest blow to the organization in the past 1 1/2 years.
In November 2014, the club's program director, Dionne Preston, walked into a North Portland convenience store with a friend and attacked the store's owners with a piece of wood that had protruding nails. Preston was sentenced to more than three years in prison in August 2015. Preston blamed an Oxycodone addiction for her behavior.
Bryant was Preston's significant other. He also had a history of drug use and drug-fueled convictions, but had kicked his habit sometime after his last drug-possession conviction in 2000.
The Multnomah County Circuit Court indictment alleges that Bryant began funneling tens of thousands of dollars for his own use in early 2013 and that the theft continued until the end of 2014.
The indictment also accuses Bryant of identity theft, for allegedly using the identity of Michael Booker. Booker has been appointed the Miracles Club's interim executive director.
It's unclear when Bryant left his job as executive director.
Representatives from the club didn't return messages seeking comment.
Portland Police Detective Brian Sitton said the thefts came to light after a Miracles Club board member reported suspicious financial activity to the Oregon Department of Justice's Charitable Activities Section. The department and Portland police investigated.
Bryant was spending the money at the casino southwest of Portland, Sitton said.
Bryant has not yet been arrested, but is expected to be shortly.
Sitton said the theft has been devastating to Miracles Club leaders, but they're working to tighten controls. Board members are eager to carry on with the organization's mission, he said.
The Miracles Club was started in 1993 by "three men wishing to create a safe and sober environment to sustain the African American Community," states the nonprofit's website. Today it provides support to people struggling to leave behind alcohol and drug addictions, and it operates 40 affordable housing units at 4200 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
-- Aimee Green
503-294-5119