It’s fantastic news when an HOA board member is convicted of embezzling from all her neighbors. It’s horrible when the judge decides that probation is adequate punishment. Homeowners Associations are mini-governments that should theoretically be governed by the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, board members should be treated and considered as politicians. And an embezzling board member should be treated as a corrupt politician.
There’s a pretty good handful of politicians who’ve been sent to prison for corruption. Think ABSCAM if anybody remembers that one.
I honestly love it when I can mention the name of somebody actually sent to prison for embezzling from a Homeowners Association. While I strongly suspect that embezzling is endemic, hitting almost every HOA everywhere, most embezzlements are never discovered. The structure of Homeowner Associations (UCIOA contracts) almost urges embezzling by HOA officers. And they do. People who seek office in unpaid positions, are mostly there for a reason. They’re either ego-driven, or short-term do-gooders and reformers, or they’re looking for a chance at personal gain. Personal gain means, in most cases, embezzling. I may be criticized for my cynicism, but you don’t become a cynic without good reason.
