KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A former finance manager with Remote Area Medical (RAM) has pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, according to court documents. Maria Cristina Vera Nessheim, a Knoxville resident, was accused of using the nonprofit’s credit cards for personal expenses, resulting in a significant financial loss for the organization.
The charges stem from actions between October 2022 and June 2023, during which Nessheim allegedly transferred over $40,000 of RAM’s funds into her own personal accounts. Among the personal purchases made with the organization’s credit cards were payments for rent, jewelry, eBooks, and shoes. In total, the documents reveal that Nessheim’s actions caused a loss of approximately $250,000 to the nonprofit.
As part of her plea deal, Nessheim agreed to forfeit any property or assets obtained through the fraudulent activities. In return, she will not face prosecution for any other non-tax criminal offenses tied to the charges.
RAM, a nonprofit organization based in Rockford, provides free medical services to underserved and uninsured communities. Nessheim’s fraudulent activities were uncovered in June 2023, leading to her termination from the organization.
The case highlights concerns over financial misconduct within nonprofit organizations and underscores the importance of transparency and oversight in managing funds intended to benefit vulnerable populations.
Nessheim’s sentencing is expected to take place later this year.
