A Marlborough woman pleaded guilty on Apr. 15 to embezzling funds from Monadnock Peer Support, a mental health non-profit organization based in Keene, according to U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.
The case highlights the risks faced by non-profit organizations when trusted individuals are given access to their finances. The misuse of funds intended for community support can have significant consequences for both the organization and those it serves.
Christine Allen, also known as Christine Nowill or Christine Yardley, age 52, admitted guilt to three counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe has scheduled her sentencing for July 28, 2026.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Allen served as Executive Director of Monadnock Peer Support (MPS), granting her full access to the organization’s financial records and resources. Between January 2021 and May 2023, she used this access to take money from MPS accounts for personal expenses such as bedding material, gaming equipment, hockey equipment, men’s clothing, and a meat cleaver.
Wire fraud carries a potential sentence of up to twenty years in prison along with up to three years of supervised release and fines that could reach $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss—whichever is greater. Sentencing will be determined by federal guidelines and statutes governing criminal cases.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigations led the investigation into Allen’s activities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
