A Porter Ranch man stands charged with embezzling millions from a Lake Hughes camp that helps children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions.
The complaint filed by L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman accuses Chris Butler, former CEO of the nonprofit, with 15 felony counts related to grand theft, forged checks and computer fraud related to more than $5 million reported missing over a seven-year period.
Painted Turtle “is a year-round medical specialty camp for children who have serious medical conditions,” according to its website, which states, “all campers and their families attend free of charge.”
The organization released a statement via email through board member Glenn Bozarth, in response to the announcement by the DA’s Office:
“Our board of directors has taken action. Investigations by independent auditors and law enforcement have been undertaken and we’re being advised by legal counsel. We’re unable to provide further detail at this time. This was a shocking and saddening discovery for us. Our primary commitment is always to the children and families that we serve. And this activity will not affect that commitment.”
Hochman’s complaint credits Cayla Yasukochi, who was hired as the organization’s new financial controller in July, with uncovering the fraud allegations, which the complaint says happened for years as Butler was both CEO and controller.
The organization handled about $31.5 million in assets based on its 2022 filings with the IRS.
Yasukochi “found what she thought were irregularities with (The Painted Turtle’s) financial records caused by the defendant,” according to the complaint.
“Prior to Ms. Yasukochi’s hiring, the defendant was always acting as controller for victim TPT during the times relevant to the crimes charged and thus used this position to conceal his fraud from the victim TPT,” the complaint stated. “Until Ms. Yasukochi assumed this role as controller for TPT in July 2025, and began auditing the books, the victim, and no law enforcement agency chargeable with the investigation and prosecution of these charged offenses had actual and construction knowledge of said violations prior to said date because the defendant concealed his fraudulent and deceptive conduct.”
The complaint and subsequent release did not state what raised the suspicion or helped Yasukochi uncover the alleged fraud. The grand theft charges list various amounts Butler is alleged to have stolen in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, which added up to $5.2 million.
Deputies with the the Lennox Sheriff’s Station arrested Butler on Dec. 31, according to Sheriff’s Department custody records, which indicate he’s still being held at North County Correctional Facility in lieu of $835,000 bail.
If convicted as charged, Butler faces more than 18 years in state prison.
He’s due back in court in Downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday for a hearing.
“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,” Hochman wrote in a news release. “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.”
