In a change‑of‑plea hearing before the Fourth Judicial District Court on Monday, Sheridan County Court Judge [Name] accepted the guilty plea of 56‑year‑old Bobby Joe Neeson. Neeson admitted to 13 felony theft counts for embezzling $631,535 from the B.F. and Rose H. Perkins Foundation, a local nonprofit that provides interest‑free student loans and medical grants to children and young adults.
Details of the scheme
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the fraud began in 2013 and continued through May 2025. Neeson placed additional loans onto existing loan recipients’ accounts, making it appear the borrowers had requested and received the funds. She then redirected the loan money into her own personal bank accounts, leaving the original recipients unaware that their accounts had been altered.
The foundation discovered the discrepancy after an attorney filed an embezzlement complaint with the Sheridan Police Department on November 10, 2025. A subsequent investigation led to Neeson’s arrest on March 13, 2026.
Plea agreement and sentencing recommendations
The plea agreement recommends a prison term of six to ten years for counts 1‑8, to run concurrently. For counts 9‑13, the agreement also suggests six to ten years, but suspended in favor of eight years of supervised probation that will begin after the prison term is served. Neeson must also pay the full $631,535 in restitution to the foundation.
A sentencing date was not set at the hearing. Neeson’s bond was revoked, and she was remanded to the custody of the Sheridan County Detention Center pending sentencing.
Impact on the community
The Perkins Foundation has been a trusted source of financial aid for local students and families in need. While the foundation’s leadership has not disclosed the full extent of the financial impact, the restitution amount is intended to restore the funds diverted by Neeson.
Local officials praised the swift investigation and prosecution, emphasizing that fraud against charitable organizations will not be tolerated. “Our community relies on nonprofits like the Perkins Foundation to support the next generation,” said Sheridan County Sheriff [Name]. “Holding those who betray that trust accountable is essential to maintaining confidence in our charitable sector.”
Next steps
The court will schedule a sentencing hearing where the recommended prison term and probation will be considered. The foundation plans to review its loan‑disbursement procedures to prevent similar abuses in the future.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
