CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Detectives from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division charged Melissa Funkhouser, 40, and Ronald Paul Funkhouser, 43, both of Ridge, with credit card fraud, identity theft, and related charges for misappropriating over $36,000 from Lions Camp Merrick, Inc., a nonprofit serving the blind, deaf, diabetic, and veterans with PTSD. The charges stem from a year-long financial scheme uncovered in May 2024.
The investigation began after the newly appointed president of Lions Camp Merrick reported a suspicious $6,233.28 transaction to the St. Mary’s County Treasurer during an internal audit. The Sheriff’s Office identified 70 unauthorized transactions totaling $36,633.92 between May 2023 and May 2024, made using the camp’s debit card, to which Melissa Funkhouser had sole access. Melissa, hired as a paid employee in May 2023 after volunteering alongside her husband, Ronald, used the funds for personal expenses, including car payments, insurance, property taxes, utility bills, cell phone bills, ATM withdrawals, and other purchases. Ronald, a volunteer, was found to have participated in the scheme.
On June 20, 2025, a Charles County Grand Jury indicted both individuals on multiple charges. The Sheriff’s Office continues to seek information, with Detective Baxley available at 301-609-6504 for tips.
Lions Camp Merrick, located in Nanjemoy, supports vulnerable populations through recreational and therapeutic programs. The organization’s leadership promptly reported the discrepancies, enabling detectives to trace the unauthorized transactions. The camp has since implemented new financial management to prevent future incidents, and all misappropriated funds have been accounted for, according to the current president, who cooperated fully with authorities.
The investigation revealed the extent of the couple’s actions, which exploited their access to the nonprofit’s resources. Melissa Funkhouser’s role as an employee provided her with control over the debit card, while Ronald’s involvement as a volunteer facilitated the scheme. Detectives reviewed financial records to confirm the 70 transactions, which varied in purpose but consistently served personal needs unrelated to the camp’s mission.
Maryland law defines credit card fraud as the unauthorized use of a payment card to obtain goods, services, or money, with penalties depending on the amount involved. Identity theft, another charge in the indictment, involves using another’s identity or financial information without permission. The combined charges reflect the severity of the couple’s actions, which undermined a nonprofit dedicated to community service.
The case highlights the importance of internal audits in nonprofit organizations, as the new president’s diligence led to the discovery of the fraud. Lions Camp Merrick’s programs, funded partly through donations, rely on financial integrity to serve clients, including children and veterans. The Sheriff’s Office commended the camp’s leadership for their proactive response, which ensured a thorough investigation.
Anyone with additional details is encouraged to contact authorities to assist in the ongoing case. The indictments mark a significant step in addressing the financial misconduct, with court proceedings to follow.
