The former executive director of the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation has been charged with embezzling more than $70,000 from the organization.
Melissa Bounty, 42, of Waitsfield, is expected to appear in Washington County Superior criminal court on Jan. 15 for an arraignment on the felony charge, according to a Saturday press release from the Montpelier Police Department.
The charge against Bounty stemmed from a lengthy investigation that began in July, when the department received a report from the organization stating that Bounty, its executive director at the time, had “utilized company funds for personal gain,” according to the release.
The investigation, according to the press release, found that Bounty had embezzled $71,151 from the organization during her tenure as executive director from 2022 to 2025.
Police said they would not disclose any additional information regarding the charges. More information about the investigation is expected to become available following Bounty’s court arraignment when the police affidavit filed in support of the charge becomes public.
A person who answered the phone at a number for Bounty in Waitsfield said she didn’t want to talk about the matter. Officials with the organization could not be reached Monday for comment.
VTDigger had reported in July that Bounty had been placed on leave from her job with the organization pending an investigation, though details about the nature of that probe were not made public.
The nonprofit organization is one of 12 regional development corporations across the state. The groups receive state and federal funds to help promote and support local businesses.
At that time, Bounty said in a statement to VTDigger that she stood “by my work and my integrity,” adding, “I care so deeply for the Central Vermont business community and have been honored to learn more about the wonderful work happening in this vibrant region every day.”
