Former Open Arms Employee Charged with Embezzling $155K

A former employee of Open Arms of Minnesota has been charged with collecting and embezzling more than $155,000.

Open Arms of Minnesota is a non-profit company, catering for various charities that deliver meals to homebound people in need.

According to Minneapolis Police, Nicholas Collins was arrested and charged with one count of theft by swindle.

Collins worked as the director of food services from 2009 to 2012. During that time he allegedly provided meals to different groups, and deposited the payments into his personal accounts.

According to the criminal complaint, Collins concealed his scheme by telling Open Arms' directors that no food was being delivered, and no payment was being collected. He said he was conducting a study to determine whether expanding meal deliveries was feasible.

Collins gave the charities invoices from Open Arms letterhead, and asked for checks to be written to him personally.

Collins posted $35,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 6.