By Jorge Casuso
January 13, 2026 -- The CEO of a non-profit camp for children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions headquartered in Santa Monica has been charged with embezzling $5.2 million.
Christopher L. Butler, 50, of Porter Ranch, is charged with 15 felony counts committed during his tenure from 2018-2025 heading The Painted Turtle specialty camp founded by the late actor Paul Newman.
Butler faces nine counts of grand theft, five counts of forgery and one count of fraudulent use of a computer, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office announced Monday.
If convicted as charged, Butler, who is being held on $835,000 bail, faces more than 18 years in state prison.
“Abusing a position of power to steal funds from a camp dedicated to helping children with serious medical conditions is an affront to both the law and our deepest values,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement.
“My message is crystal clear: If you steal from the most vulnerable members of our community or the organizations that serve them, this office will use every tool the law allows to hold you fully accountable.”
In a statement Monday, the Painted Turtle said its board has taken actions and is cooperating with law enforcement and independent auditors to aid the investigation.
The non-profit's website said its mission is "to provide a year-round, life-changing environment and authentic camp experience for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses."
"The Painted Turtle supports children’s medical needs, inspires them to reach beyond their illnesses, and provides care, education, and respite for their families," the site states.
"All campers and families attend completely free of charge."
According to the Pained Turtle's latest Annual Report posted online, in 2023 the non-profit raised $4.7 million from 1,633 donors and had total expenses of $4.5 million, while serving 42,099 campers at its camp in Lake Hughes.
In the CEO's statement, Butler wrote, "As we close out our second decade with this report, we are inspired by the limitless possibilities of what we can accomplish together in our 20th year and beyond.
"We are grateful for every hour you volunteered, every gift you gave, and every bit of support you provided in 2023. Because of you, our future looks brighter than ever," Butler said.
Butler's arraignment is set for Thursday in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Downtown Los Angeles.
The case, which was filed on December 29, is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Steve Dickman of the White Collar Crime Division and remains under investigation by the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation.