Former Carl Junction Chamber Executive Director charged with stealing

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a stealing charge against former Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nicholas Howard today, alleging Howard used his Chamber-issued credit card to pay for everything from liquor, airline travel and streaming subscription services to groceries, meals and gas that were not part of his Chamber duties.

In addition to the stealing charge, Howard was charged with eight counts of fraudulent use of a credit device, all misdemeanors.

Howard's arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m October 7 in Jasper County Circuit Court.

From the probable cause statement:

On April 17, 2026, the Carl Junction Police Department initiated an investigation after the Carl
Junction Area Chamber of Commerce reported suspected theft of organizational funds by its former
Executive Director, Nicholas Howard.

The investigation revealed that Howard had possession of and access to Chamber-issued credit
cards through Community National Bank & Trust and Arvest Bank for legitimate Chamber business
purposes. Chamber representatives advised Howard was not authorized to use Chamber funds for
personal expenses.

During the investigation, Chamber President Julianna Crow reported that Howard was confronted by members of the Chamber Board regarding numerous unauthorized charges made on Chamber credit cards. Crow stated Howard admitted the unauthorized use began in approximately June 2025 after he did not receive a bonus and needed money for a vacation. 

Crow further advised Howard acknowledged the charges and stated he would repay the money.

On April 27, 2026, Detective Greg Dagnan and I conducted a recorded interview with Howard.

During the interview, Howard admitted using the Chamber credit card to pay a personal airline
baggage fee associated with a trip to Florida. Howard also admitted he occasionally included
personal items in purchases made with Chamber funds and acknowledged there could have been
additional improper charges.

During the investigation, Chamber representatives advised Howard had previously been informed on multiple occasions that Chamber funds were not to be used for personal expenses.

Specifically, Howard had been instructed he was prohibited from using Chamber funds to purchase
personal items, gasoline, gifts, food/drinks from restaurants, or other non-business-related expenses.
Chamber representatives further advised Howard was expected to submit receipts documenting authorized business expenditures. 

Despite these directives, the subsequent financial review revealed numerous transactions involving personal expenditures made with Chamber-issued credit cards.

Detective Dagnan and I reviewed bank statements, receipts, and financial records provided by the Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Throughout the investigation, Chamber representatives reviewed questioned transactions and identified those that were authorized business expenses and those that were not.

The investigation determined Howard used Chamber funds for unauthorized personal expenditures, including personal utility payments, streaming subscription services, airline expenses, Amazon purchases, restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and other personal purchases. 

Chamber representatives advised these purchases were not authorized business expenses and that Howard failed to submit receipts for numerous transactions as required.

The investigation determined Howard made unauthorized purchases totaling over $750.00,
consisting of over $750.00 charged to Community National Bank & Trust accounts and over $750.00
charged to Arvest Bank accounts.

Some of the unauthorized expenditures on the Community National Bank and Trust card:

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