What did the Minneapolis CEO allegedly do?

The CEO allegedly embezzled over $200,000 from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce to fund personal expenses, including a trip to Hawaii.

How did Jonathan Weinhagen allegedly steal money?

He is accused of creating a fake company, fabricating an obituary, and misusing chamber funds and credit cards for personal splurges.

What was the impact of the investigation at the Chamber?

The investigation uncovered a $500,000 budget shortfall, leading to layoffs and the CEO's resignation.

Home / Crime and Justice / CEO Embezzled $200K for Lavish Hawaii Trip

CEO Embezzled $200K for Lavish Hawaii Trip

1 Dec

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Summary

CEO allegedly embezzled over $200,000 from the Chamber.
Fraud included a fake company, obituary, and stolen donations.
Funds financed a first-class trip to Hawaii and other luxuries.

CEO Embezzled $200K for Lavish Hawaii Trip

Jonathan Weinhagen, former CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, faces accusations of embezzling over $200,000. The alleged fraudulent scheme, which ran from 2019 until his resignation in June 2024, involved creating a fictitious company named Synergy Partners and fabricating an obituary for its supposed owner. This allowed him to divert funds for personal use, including a first-class trip to Hawaii.

An internal financial investigation at the Chamber revealed a $500,000 budget shortfall, prompting layoffs and Weinhagen's abrupt departure. Further scrutiny uncovered nearly $300,000 in missing funds during his tenure. He also allegedly misused a chamber credit card for personal splurges and attempted to secure a fraudulent loan.

The investigation also revealed Weinhagen allegedly rerouted a $30,000 donation intended for Crime Stoppers to his home address. While an internal investigation was ongoing, his wife posted vacation photos from trips to Copenhagen and New York. Weinhagen is expected to plead guilty to the charges.