A Columbiana County woman and her nonprofit organization have been indicted for allegedly stealing at least $150,000 in charitable donations, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Mar. 6.
The case involves Amanda Kiger, 52, and River Valley Organizing, a nonprofit she founded in East Liverpool. Both face felony charges of aggravated theft and telecommunications fraud. Kiger was arrested by the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office. The indictments allege that from 2021 through 2024, Kiger used charitable donations for personal expenses while serving as director of the organization.
River Valley Organizing was incorporated in 2020 and describes itself as a citizen-based group working for a “safer and cleaner Ohio River Valley,” with advocacy on social and environmental issues. In addition to the nonprofit-related charges, Kiger is accused of fraudulently obtaining $17,346 in unemployment benefits and failing to file state income tax returns for four years. She faces further charges including grand theft; falsification in a theft offense; and filing incomplete, false or fraudulent returns.
Yost’s Charitable Law Section investigated the case and is prosecuting it in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court. Indictments are criminal allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in court.
According to the official website, Dave Yost leads the Ohio Attorney General’s Office as attorney general. Jonathan Blanton serves as first assistant attorney general overseeing legal operations for the office according to the official website. The office seeks to safeguard Ohio residents through law enforcement, consumer protection, state representation, legal advice to agencies, enforcing regulations and prosecuting cases according to its official website. It operates from its main office in Columbus with regional offices throughout Ohio according to its official website.
Ohioans who suspect a charitable organization of fraud or misuse can file a complaint at charitable.ohioago.gov or by calling 800-282-0515.
