Former Red Cross Director Hopes Embezzlement Scandal Doesn’t Hurt Donations --Hollister Free Lance

Hollister Free Lance: "Hollister - Hurricane Katrina’s wrath of death and destruction has brought the Red Cross into the forefront of the nation’s consciousness.

However, a local Red Cross former executive director fears her embezzlement conviction and the recent merger of the San Benito and Monterey County chapters may slow the donation of funds to the local chapter.

Charron Contival, a 30-year San Benito County resident who was recently put on felony probation after pleading no contest to misusing chapter funds in 2001, continues to proclaim her innocence although she took a plea bargain offered by the District Attorney’s Office. Contival claims health problems and a lack of money for attorney’s fees influenced her decision to plead no contest to the felony charge.

However, she believes the publicity over her situation has instilled residents with a sense of apprehension about the organization’s legitimacy.

“A lot of people don’t go any deeper than the headlines. They look at it and think, ‘They’re just out of control and why should I donate?’ Instead I’ll donate to the Salvation Army,” Contival said. “I think there’s a big mistrust in the community.”"