Former Leadership of Saint Francis Ministries Indicted for Fraudulent Scheme Involving Millions in Payments

Saint Francis Ministries, a faith-based organization based in Salina, Kansas, has been implicated in a federal indictment against former CEO Rev. Robert N. Smith and former CIO William Whymark. The indictment alleges that Smith and Whymark conspired to defraud the organization of millions of dollars through a scheme involving false invoices and personal financial misappropriation.

According to the indictment, between January 2018 and July 2021, Smith and Whymark orchestrated a fraudulent scheme that led to over $4 million in unauthorized payments. This included the submission of materially false invoices, which were approved by Smith. Additionally, Whymark allegedly funneled $50,000 to Smith through a disguised authorized invoice, and Smith used a Saint Francis Ministries credit card for personal expenses.

Saint Francis Ministries, also known as Saint Francis Community Services, provides foster care and social services across multiple states. The indictment claims that during the period of the alleged fraud, the organization contracted with the State of Kansas to deliver foster care, adoption, family preservation, and behavioral health services.

In February 2018, Whymark was appointed CIO of Saint Francis Ministries, tasked with improving the organization’s IT systems. The Board of Directors approved an IT improvement project, which was managed by WMK Research. The indictment states that Whymark misrepresented his academic credentials, claiming a PhD in Marketing Sciences from the University of Connecticut, which was not accurate.

The indictment further alleges that the SFM Project was not subjected to a competitive bidding process, and the Board’s meeting minutes from 2018 did not document Smith’s decision to award the project to WMK. Whymark subcontracted data science and IT support to QubeRoot and software development to Pinnacle Seven, neither of which engaged in other work for other entities during the SFM Project.

Software Works replaced Pinnacle Seven in August 2019, and similarly, it did not perform work for other entities while involved in the SFM Project. The indictment asserts that Whymark submitted false invoices, which Smith approved, leading to the fraudulent payments. The case highlights concerns about accountability and financial integrity within religious organizations, raising questions about governance and oversight.

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