The case centers on allegations that Butler exploited a position of trust to divert funds that The Painted Turtle depends on to provide free camp programs to children with cancer, sickle cell disease, and other serious diagnoses — a mission funded entirely by charitable donations.
The former chief executive of a California camp for children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions faces 15 felony counts after prosecutors alleged he embezzled approximately $5.2 million from the nonprofit over seven years.
Christopher L. Butler, 49, of Porter Ranch, California, was expected to be arraigned Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. According to the criminal complaint, Butler worked for The Painted Turtle from 2018 until the summer of 2025. Prosecutors allege he diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars each year throughout his tenure and also served as the organization’s controller for a period.
“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,” Los Angeles County 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.”
The charges carry a potential sentence of more than 18 years in prison.
The Organization
The Painted Turtle is based in Lake Hughes, California, and is one of several camps for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses co-founded by the late actor Paul Newman. The camp operates as part of Newman’s SeriousFun Children’s Network, relying on charitable donations to provide free programs that allow campers to participate alongside other children facing similar medical conditions.
How the Alleged Theft Was Discovered
A new controller discovered “irregularities” in the organization’s financial records in August 2025, according to the criminal complaint. Prosecutors also allege that Butler attempted to conceal evidence by modifying or deleting computer records.
A phone number for Butler could not be located, according to the Associated Press. A public defender who briefly represented Butler at his first court appearance declined to comment because she is no longer handling the case. Officials with The Painted Turtle did not immediately respond to a request for comment.