In a development that has rocked the nonprofit sector in Michigan, a federal grand jury has indicted Teri Lyn Looney, 53, of Dimondale, for allegedly embezzling nearly $95,000 from SIREN Eaton Shelter, a respected organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic abuse, their children, and homeless families in Eaton County. The indictment, announced on August 28, 2025, by U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey, follows an extensive investigation by multiple federal and state agencies.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Looney served as executive director of SIREN Eaton Shelter from June 2021 until May 2023. During that tenure, she was entrusted with significant responsibilities, including overseeing all organizational programming, supervising agency staff, implementing policies in conjunction with the board, and, crucially, managing the shelter’s fiscal operations. As an authorized signer on the shelter’s accounts, Looney had access to the nonprofit’s budget and cash reserves—a position that, prosecutors allege, she exploited to siphon off grant funds intended for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
The shelter, based in Charlotte, Michigan, relies heavily on federal grants to finance its operations. These include funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Victims of Crimes Act program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and other sources. Authorities contend that between June 2021 and May 2023, Looney embezzled approximately $95,000 from these funds, a sum that represents a significant portion of the shelter’s operating budget.
The impact of the alleged theft was immediate and severe. As first reported in 2023, the financial shortfall nearly forced SIREN Eaton Shelter to close its doors, threatening the safety net for survivors of domestic violence and families experiencing homelessness in Eaton County and surrounding areas. According to WILX, the shelter was compelled to seek $300,000 in emergency donations just to remain operational, highlighting the precarious nature of nonprofit funding and the devastating consequences of financial malfeasance in organizations that serve at-risk populations.
Federal prosecutors have made it clear that the charges against Looney are serious. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss—whichever is greater—up to three years of supervised release, and mandatory restitution to the victims. As U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey stated, "As executive director, Looney was responsible for all organizational programming, supervision of agency staff, the implementation of policies developed in conjunction with the Board, and the oversight of SIREN’s fiscal operations, including its budget and cash reserves." The indictment underscores the trust placed in nonprofit leaders and the expectation that they will act in the best interests of those they serve.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, the HUD Office of Inspector General, and the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler has been assigned to prosecute the case. No attorney was listed for Looney at the time of the announcement, and attempts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful, as reported by MLive.
SIREN Eaton Shelter, like many organizations in its field, plays a critical role in the community. Its mission is to provide safe shelter, advocacy, and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence and their families, as well as to homeless families in need of transitional housing. The shelter’s reliance on federal funding is typical for organizations serving high-risk populations, and the loss of these funds—whether through budget cuts or, as alleged in this case, embezzlement—can have far-reaching consequences.
The indictment comes at a time when trust in nonprofit organizations is both vital and, at times, precarious. Donors, government agencies, and the public expect transparency and accountability, especially when federal funds are involved. The allegations against Looney have sparked concern among those who rely on SIREN’s services and among the broader network of nonprofits in Michigan. As one local advocate noted, “When something like this happens, it shakes people’s faith in the whole system. We depend on these organizations to be good stewards of the resources they’re given.”
According to WOOD TV8, SIREN Eaton Shelter has since received $500,000 in new funding to help stabilize its operations following the financial turmoil. The shelter’s board and interim leadership have pledged to implement stronger oversight and internal controls to prevent similar incidents in the future. Still, the road to recovery has not been easy. Staff members and clients alike have faced uncertainty, and the community has rallied to provide additional support during the crisis.
The case has also prompted renewed scrutiny of nonprofit governance and the need for robust checks and balances. Experts in nonprofit management point out that while most organizations operate with integrity, the combination of limited resources, high demand for services, and sometimes inadequate oversight can create opportunities for financial misconduct. As a result, many nonprofits are now reviewing their own policies and procedures to ensure they are not vulnerable to similar risks.
Despite the challenges, SIREN Eaton Shelter has continued its work, providing critical services to those in need. The organization’s resilience in the face of adversity has been widely praised, and community members have stepped up to fill the gap left by the missing funds. “It’s a testament to the strength of our community that we were able to come together and support the shelter when it needed us most,” said a longtime volunteer.
For now, the legal process will determine Looney’s fate. The indictment is a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in organizations that serve the public good. As the case moves forward, those who depend on SIREN Eaton Shelter—and the many other nonprofits like it—will be watching closely, hoping that justice will be served and that the shelter can continue its vital mission without further disruption.
The story of SIREN Eaton Shelter is, ultimately, one of both caution and hope: a warning about the dangers of misplaced trust, but also a testament to the power of community support in the face of adversity.
