Non-profit’s ex-bookkeeper files whistleblower suit

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A former bookkeeper for a Portland nonprofit that worked to help Oregon’s foster children is suing the organization, alleging she was fired after reporting misspending by her employer.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (http://bit.ly/2fcyoW4 ) that Deborah Muller filed the $375,000 wrongful termination suit last week.

Muller alleges she found money from the nonprofit Give Us This Day had been spent at jewelry stores, Victoria’s Secret and at a plastic surgeon’s office.

The lawsuit says Muller tried to report the spending to her boss, Richard Harris, but he encouraged her to cover up the criminal actions of the group’s executive director, Mary Ayala.

Harris says the allegations against him have no merit.

A 2015 lawsuit filed by the state against Ayala and others accused of misusing state funds remains ongoing.

Give Us This Day closed down last year.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com