$22k still owed to HHI homeowners from former treasurer’s $200k theft
The Ex-treasurer of a Hilton Head Island POA still owes over $22,000 despite paying back the nearly $200,000 that was first reported missing.
In July, the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette reported on a letter which was sent out to homeowners of Broad Pointe, a private neighborhood across from Indigo Run on Hilton Head Island. The letter detailed how the former treasurer of the Broad Pointe Owner’s Association, Patricia Butville, withdrew $196,924.50 from the association’s reserve account between December 2018 and April 2023.
“Patricia prepared and circulated misleading financial reports which were presented to the Board and then by the Board to the Owners,” said Vince Murphy, the president of the Owner’s Association.
At the time, Butville had already paid back $150,500 of the missing funds, but still owed the association $46,324.50. On August 24, Butville paid back the remaining funds returning the entirety of the $196,924.50.
But, as of the time of writing, Butville still owes the POA $22,249.81 which she obtained through improper operating expense submissions to the Indigo Run Community Owner’s Association, according to a new letter from the POA to homeowners, obtained by the newspapers.
“Unfortunately, our work is not yet finished,” Murphy said in the letter. The letter, dated September 30, also says that “if the full amount is not paid within 30 days, [Butville] will be responsible for principal plus interest and any legal fees resulting from the collection.”
According to the letter, any decision to pursue the prosecution of Butville resides with the Beaufort County Sheriff and 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
In June, a criminal case against Butville was closed after she signed a confession of judgment. However, the case has since been reopened according to Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Maj. Angela Viens. The Sheriff’s Office is currently in the process of gathering information, she added.
Butville responded to a phone inquiry with a “no comment” response via text messaging.
