The former executive director of the Portland nonprofit Alberta Main Street has been sentenced to probation after admitting to stealing tens of thousands of dollars in charitable funds, according to reporting by KGW. In a summary released by the Oregon Department of Justice, officials said that Devon Horace repaid more than $85,000 to the organization and completed 240 hours of community service as part of the resolution of the case.

Horace previously served as the head of Alberta Main Street, a nonprofit focused on business district revitalization in Northeast Portland. According to the Oregon Department of Justice, he misused charitable funds during his tenure. Officials said Horace has now made full restitution and served the community‑service hours required under the agreement.

While the case unfolded in Oregon, nonprofit and charitable organizations throughout Southwest Washington often interact with regional partners across the Columbia River, share funding streams, or collaborate on grant‑supported initiatives. Local governance experts note that cases involving misuse of funds in nearby jurisdictions can prompt donors, volunteers, and public agencies to reevaluate what financial controls and oversight systems are in place within their own communities.

According to the Oregon Department of Justice, this case was resolved without additional incarceration. Officials said the terms reflected Horace’s repayment of the nonprofit and completion of agreed‑upon service requirements.

Why this matters for Southwest Washington

Many community nonprofits in the Longview–Kelso area face similar pressures around staffing, documentation, and financial controls. Even though the wrongdoing occurred in Portland, the underlying issue—protecting public trust in small, community‑based organizations—is shared throughout the region.

Local charitable groups often depend heavily on volunteer‑driven bookkeeping, grant‑reporting obligations, and rotating leadership. Incidents like the Alberta Main Street theft case can influence how funders and government partners evaluate accountability measures for organizations operating in Cowlitz County.

For residents who contribute to charitable programs, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent governance practices and clear oversight structures. As public‑facing nonprofits continue to play a growing role in economic development, homelessness response, and neighborhood revitalization, regional confidence in those systems remains essential.

Sources

KGW: Former head of Alberta Main Street organization sentenced to probation in charity theft case