The former head of a Charlotte domestic violence and homeless shelter is now officially admitting she stole nearly $95,000 from the nonprofit she was paid to protect.
Teri Lyn Looney, former executive director of SIREN/Eaton Shelter, pleaded guilty today to a federal theft charge after acknowledging she took money from the organization that serves domestic violence survivors and unhoused families. The plea follows a multi-agency investigation and a frantic fundraising push to keep the shelter’s doors open while the books were sorted out.
According to MLive, Looney entered her plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ray Kent and will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering. The outlet reports that Looney admitted diverting both grant and donation funds, and that the plea agreement details a string of unauthorized withdrawals, certified checks and Cash App transfers. She remains free on bond while she waits for sentencing and faces up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release.
Federal indictment and investigation
Looney’s guilty plea comes after a federal grand jury indictment in August 2025 on a single count of theft from a program receiving federal funds, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors say she embezzled about $95,000 while serving as executive director between June 2021 and May 2023…