LEWISTON, ID – A former executive director of Beautiful Downtown Lewiston (BDL) is facing a felony charge after investigators allege she misappropriated more than $16,000 in organizational funds.
According to a Lewiston Police Department incident report, Brenda Jeanine Morgan, 39, of Clarkston, has been charged with one count of Grand Theft. Investigators allege Morgan used BDL bank accounts and credit cards for unauthorized purchases, personal expenses, and unapproved withdrawals.
The report states the spending included thousands of dollars at restaurants and bars, a $2,927.91 electronic payment to Morgan’s personal credit card, the purchase of electronic devices such as a Microsoft Surface Pro laptop and an Apple iPad Pro, and a $500 donation to a local soccer club. BDL board members also reported missing office equipment and cash withdrawals made through Venmo.
Witnesses told police Morgan also allegedly failed to provide receipts for expenditures, cancelled the nonprofit’s workers’ compensation policy without approval, and did not file federal tax returns for three years—resulting in a fine of $8,500 that was allegedly paid by Morgan without notifying the organization’s board. Board members told police that the financial concerns escalated in early 2024, with one meeting ending after Morgan “blew up” when asked about accounting records.
The investigation concluded Morgan had sole access to BDL’s accounts and used her role to misuse nonprofit funds in violation of organizational bylaws.
Morgan is being charged with felony Grand Theft. According to court records, Morgan’s initial court appearance was on September 17. A preliminary hearing has been set for October 1.
