Shocking Betrayal: Former Habitat for Humanity Leaders Face $2.1 Million Embezzlement Charges

A staggering tale of alleged financial deception has rocked the non-profit world in New Hampshire, as two former high-ranking executives of Greater Manchester Habitat for Humanity stand accused of orchestrating a multi-million dollar embezzlement scheme. Derek Fisher, the organization's former CEO, and Emily Long, its former Chief Financial Officer, now face a litany of felony charges, including theft by unauthorized taking, falsifying physical evidence, witness tampering, and money laundering.

The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office has unveiled a comprehensive indictment detailing how Fisher and Long allegedly siphoned over $2.1 million from the charitable organization between 2018 and 2023.

Funds that were intended to build homes and hope for deserving families were purportedly diverted to fuel a lavish lifestyle of personal enrichment.

Prosecutors allege the duo engaged in an extensive pattern of fraud, using the non-profit's coffers as their personal bank account. The charges outline a shocking array of unauthorized expenditures, including extravagant vacations to destinations like Aruba, Florida, and the Caribbean.

Personal shopping sprees for designer goods from high-end retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada were allegedly paid for with Habitat for Humanity funds. The indictment also points to hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on upscale restaurant dining, private school tuition for Fisher's children, and even an unauthorized employee bonus for Long totaling $120,000.

This alleged scheme came to light through a meticulous investigation conducted by the New Hampshire Attorney General's Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau, with crucial assistance from the Manchester Police Department.

The gravity of these accusations underscores a profound breach of trust, not only against the organization itself but against the countless donors and volunteers whose contributions fuel its noble mission.

Both Fisher and Long were arraigned in Hillsborough County Superior Court-North in Manchester, where they formally faced the charges.

Fisher's bail was set at $50,000 cash, while Long received $10,000 cash bail, signaling the court's view of the seriousness of the alleged offenses. These initial court appearances mark the beginning of what is expected to be a complex legal battle.

The impact on Greater Manchester Habitat for Humanity has been significant, both financially and emotionally.

The organization, dedicated to providing affordable housing, now faces the challenge of recovering from such substantial losses while reaffirming its commitment to its community and its mission. The Attorney General's Office has reaffirmed its dedication to prosecuting those who exploit charitable organizations for personal gain, emphasizing the importance of protecting the public's trust in non-profits.

As the legal process unfolds, the community watches closely, hoping that justice will be served and that the essential work of Habitat for Humanity can continue unhindered by this alleged egregious betrayal.